What is a Lipoma? Know the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Lipoma (centreforsurgery.com)

YOGYAKARTA - A lipoma is a lump that comes from fat tissue and grows just below the surface of the skin. When touched gently, the lipoma will feel rubbery and easy to move. This condition is generally harmless and does not require treatment. However, it can sometimes interfere with comfort. Reported from the Cleveland Clinic, here are some things you need to know about lipoma.

What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a round or oval-shaped lump that grows just under the skin. This lump is usually soft like rubber and can move when pressed. Generally, lipoma does not cause pain so that it is often not aware of its existence.

Lipoma is a benign tumor. Its growth is slow and not cancerous. Lipoma can appear in various parts of the body, but is most often found in the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and chest.

In most cases, a person only has one lipoma, although some have more than one. This condition is quite common and can be experienced by anyone. However, lipoma is more common in people aged between 40 to 60 years. Even so, lipoma can also occur from birth or at a younger age.

Symptoms and Characteristics of Lipoma

Lipoma is usually not painful, even sufferers can feel no symptoms at all. However, lipoma can cause discomfort if it presses on the nerves or grows near the joints. Lipoma generally:

Encapsulated: Lipoma does not spread to surrounding tissues. It is not painful: However, some lipoma can cause pain and discomfort depending on its location, size, and the presence of blood vessels. Round or oblong shape: This soft-feeling fatty lump is usually symmetrical. It can be moved: The lipoma is located just below the surface of the skin and can move when touched. Less than 5 cm in diameter: In some cases, the size of the lipoma can be larger than 15 cm. Causes of Lipoma

The exact cause of lipoma is not yet known clearly. However, genetic factors are suspected to play an important role in its appearance. If a family member has a lipoma, the likelihood of experiencing it can also be higher.

In addition to hereditary factors, there are several medical conditions that can trigger the appearance of lipomas. For example, rare diseases such as Dercum cause the growth of painful lipomas, most often in the arms, legs, and trunk.

Certain lifestyles can also contribute indirectly. For example, excessive alcohol consumption is associated with Madelung's disease which triggers lipomas in the neck and shoulder area.

Most lipomas rarely require treatment. However, if a lipoma bothers or causes discomfort, a doctor may recommend removal. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis. You may be able to go home the same day.

Those are some things you need to know about lipomas. Although not dangerous, lipomas should not be completely ignored. Medical examination can provide certainty and avoid excessive worries.

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