Lipomas
Lipomas are soft, benign lumps made of fat that usually develop just under the skin. They are typically painless, slow-growing, and harmless, though they can be removed if they cause discomfort or for cosmetic reasons.
Overview | Symptoms & Causes | Diagnosis | Treatment Options
What are Lipomas?
A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of fatty tissue that develops just under the skin. They are usually soft, movable, and painless, and can appear anywhere on the body, though they are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, or thighs. Lipomas are generally slow-growing and are made up of normal fat cells, just arranged in a small, encapsulated lump.
While lipomas are harmless and rarely cause health problems, they can sometimes become uncomfortable if they press on nearby nerves or joints, or if they grow large enough to affect appearance. Most people notice them as small, soft lumps under the skin that can move slightly when pressed.
Understanding Lipomas
Lipomas often develop slowly and may go unnoticed for a long time. They are usually painless and soft to the touch, but their size and location can sometimes cause discomfort or concern.
Common features include:
- A soft, doughy lump under the skin that moves slightly when pressed.
- Usually round or oval in shape.
- Slow-growing over months or years.
- Typically painless, though larger lipomas can press on nerves or muscles and cause discomfort.
Although lipomas are almost always harmless, it’s important to have any new or changing lumps evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out other conditions. Lumps under the skin could also be cysts (fluid-filled lumps), or more rarely, liposarcoma, a type of cancerous fatty tissue growth. If you notice any of the following, it is important to get checked:
- If the lump grows rapidly.
- If it becomes painful, red, or warm.
- If there are multiple lumps appearing suddenly.
- If the lump feels hard, fixed, or irregular.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of lipomas is not fully understood, but they are thought to develop when fat cells grow in a cluster rather than remaining evenly distributed under the skin. Factors that may increase the likelihood of developing lipomas include:
| Genetics | A family history of lipomas can make them more likely. Certain inherited conditions, such as familial multiple lipomatosis, can cause multiple lipomas. |
| Age & sex | Lipomas are most commonly diagnosed in adults between 40 and 60 years old, and are slightly more common in men than women. |
| Trauma | Occasionally, lipomas may appear at sites of minor injury, although this is not common. |
| Obesity | Being overweight does not directly cause lipomas, but fatty tissue distribution may contribute. |
Diagnosing Lipomas
Lipomas are usually diagnosed based on their appearance and feel. They are soft, mobile, and generally painless lumps under the skin. A healthcare professional will typically perform a physical examination to assess the size, location, and texture of the lump.In most cases, no additional tests are required. However, further imaging may be recommended if the lump:
- Feels unusually firm or fixed
- Is growing rapidly
- Causes pain or discomfort
- Is located deeper in the body
Imaging options can include:
| Ultrasound | Helps confirm the lump is composed of fatty tissue and assess its boundaries, size, and any abnormal blood flow. |
| MRI or CT Scans | Used for deeper or larger lumps to determine their exact location and rule out other masses. |
A biopsy is rarely needed but may be performed if there is any uncertainty about the diagnosis or concern about a more serious condition.
Treatment Options
Most lipomas do not require treatment unless they are causing discomfort, pain, or cosmetic concerns. Options include:
| Observation | If the lipoma is small, painless, and not growing, your healthcare provider may recommend simply monitoring it over time. |
| Surgical removal (excision) | This is the most definitive treatment, usually done under local or general anesthesia. The entire lipoma is removed, which prevents it from recurring in the same location. |
| Liposuction | In selected cases, especially for larger lipomas, liposuction can be used to remove fatty tissue with smaller incisions. This may be less invasive but carries a slightly higher chance of recurrence. |
How can Lanthorn help?
Lumps and Bumps Ultrasound - £300
A non-invasive scan to confirm the lipoma and assess its size, location, and relationship to surrounding structures.
Additional imaging - From £350
In some cases, further imaging such as MRI can be arranged to clarify the diagnosis or evaluate deeper or unusual lumps. Your doctor will inform you if further evaluation is needed.
Referral to a specialist
If removal is appropriate, we can refer you to trusted plastic surgeons for safe and effective excision.
