What Is a Lipoma and When Should it Be Removed?

Lipomas can appear anywhere in the body, but they most commonly occur on the neck, back, shoulders, torso, and arms. They are benign soft tissue tumours and are not cancerous. While they are more common among individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, lipomas are not limited to that age group; people of all ages can get them. Lipomas are more frequently observed in women. They typically do not cause any complications, but a growing lipoma can affect surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and joints. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if an individual has lipomas.

What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is an oval-shaped lump that grows under the skin. Lipoma is nothing but a fatty tissue that can be felt moving when touched. Most lipomas are not painful and do not cause any health problems. Also, they rarely require treatment. Moreover, it is possible to remove lipomas if they are causing distress to individuals, even for cosmetic reasons. 

There are little to no symptoms of lipoma. So, if a person has lipoma, they most probably won't know until they see it. There have been many studies on what causes lipomas, but the doctors aren't sure of the cause. There are certain common characteristics of lipoma -

• Symmetrical or oval-shaped. 
• Painless large lipomas can become painful.
• They are movable and do not stick to the surrounding tissue.

There are certain risk factors that contribute to the growth of lipoma:

• Madelung's Disease - This condition is most common in people who consume excessive alcohol, which leads to the growth of lipomas around the shoulders and neck.
• Hereditary Multiple Lipomatosis - Also known as familial multiple lipomatosis, this condition is inherited, meaning it is passed down within families.
• Dercum's Disease - This rare disorder, also known as dolorosa or Ander's Syndrome, causes painful lipomas to develop on the arms, legs, and torso.
• Gardner Syndrome - Gardner Syndrome is associated with the development of lipomas and several other health problems. It is also referred to as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

When Lipoma Removal is Necessary?

Lipomas are usually harmless and do not cause any complications. However, there are situations where removing lipomas is important -

• It looks bad (in terms of aesthetics)
• It might be cancerous liposarcoma
• It might cause pain and other discomforts
• It might multiply and become larger
• It might interfere with normal body functions

When to See a Doctor?

If a person is contemplating self-removal of their lipoma, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor, specifically a dermatologist. They can provide the most suitable treatment method for removing the lipoma. If the lipoma is causing pain or is increasing in size over time, it is imperative to seek medical attention.

Conclusion

In the case of any benign lump, it is essential to consult a doctor, even if it is not causing pain or discomfort. The cost of lipoma removal may vary depending on the chosen treatment method, the clinic's location, the doctor's expertise, and other factors.

It is crucial to emphasise that attempting to remove a lipoma at home should never be considered, as it could lead to discomfort and complications, including infection, excessive bleeding, and deeper cuts that might damage the surrounding nerves.