Lipoma
A lipoma is a benign fatty tumor of the skin, typically noticed as an easily movable soft lump under the skin. Lipomas are typically painless but as they grow larger they may cause some discomfort. They are most often found on the torso, forehead, neck, upper thighs, upper arms, and armpits, but they can occur almost anywhere in the body. Lipomas are the most common non-cancerous soft tissue growth.
It is unclear as to the exact cause of lipomas. Sometimes lipomas are found after an injury, but it is uncertain whether they are caused by the trauma or whether their detection was just incidental. Lipomas tend to run in families, so genetic factors may likely play a role in their development.
Most lipomas are small, marble-sized lumps felt just under the skin. Lipomas are typically movable and have a soft, rubbery consistency, they do not cause pain unless they grow to larger sizes, and they tend to stay stable in size over years or grow very slowly.
Treatment Options
Small lipomas usually do not require treatment. If a lipoma is growing in size, is in a bothersome location, or is painful, surgical removal of the lipoma is typically performed. There are some newer techniques for removal of lipomas that require much smaller incisions than in the past.
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