Lipoma: focus

Description

Lipomas are benign tumors formed of adipose tissue. They are circumscribed, fatty masses that are soft to the touch and are contained within a well-defined lump that moves easily under light pressure. Lipomas generally form in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, but can also appear in other sites, such as the breast, kidney, intestines and joints. They can occur at any age, but are most common after the age of 50. If excised, lipomas will heal.

Causes

The causes of lipoma development are still not known. However, as lipomas frequently occur within the families, it is hypothesized that genetics may play an important role.

Symptoms

Lipomas are fatty lumps under the skin. Generally no larger than five centimeters in diameter, they most frequently appear on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs. They are soft to the touch, and move easily with pressure. Lipomas rarely cause any discomfort, but they can cause pain if they compress nearby nerves.

Diagnosis

To diagnose lipomas, a doctor may use:

• a general physical examination
• removal of a tissue sample (biopsy) for further analysis
• ultrasonography
• if the lipoma is large, has unusual features or appears to be located deeper than the adipose tissue, other imaging tests such as MRI or CAT scans may be ordered

Treatment

Usually, lipomas do not need to be treated. If, however, a lipoma is located in an uncomfortable position, causes pain, or grows too large, it can be removed.
Removal procedures include:

• surgical removal
• liposuction
• steroid injections (this reduces the lipoma, but does not completely eliminate it)

Prevention

If it is indeed the case that lipomas run in families, then there are no preventive measures to adopt. However, as with cellulite, to limit the growth of a lipoma, a low-calorie diet should be followed.