Lipoma (patient information): Difference between revisions
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{{CMG}} {{AE}} Jinhui Wu, M.D. {{Sahar}} | {{CMG}} {{AE}} Jinhui Wu, M.D. {{Sahar}} | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Lipomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that come from fat cells and grow under the skin. They are usually soft, round and | Lipomas are [[benign]], slow-growing tumors that come from [[fat cells]] and grow under the [[skin]]. They are usually soft, round and movable [[Lump|lumps]]. Lipomas can occur at any age, but they are most common during middle age from 40 to 60 years old. Because lipomas are [[benign]] and harmless, treatment generally isn't necessary. But if the lipoma is in a bothersome location, is [[painful]], or is growing, it should be removed. | ||
==What are the symptoms of Lipoma?== | ==What are the symptoms of Lipoma?== | ||
*Lipoma is usually asymptomatic. However, it may be painful. | *Lipoma is usually [[asymptomatic]]. However, it may be [[painful]]. | ||
*Lipomas are often located under the skin. They often affect the neck, shoulders, back, arms and thighs. | *Lipomas are often located under the [[skin]]. They often affect the [[neck]], [[shoulders]], back, arms and [[thighs]]. | ||
*They are usually less than 2 inches or 5 centimeters in diameter. Large lipomas are usually less than 10 cm. | *They are usually less than 2 inches or 5 centimeters in diameter. Large lipomas are usually less than 10 cm. | ||
==Who is at highest risk?== | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
*The exact cause of lipomas is not clear. Studies suggest injury may help the development of lipoma. | *The exact [[Causes|cause]] of lipomas is not clear. Studies suggest injury may help the development of lipoma. | ||
*Genetic factors likely play a role in the development of lipomas. | *[[Genetic]] factors likely play a role in the development of lipomas. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
*Diagnosis is usually made clinically and by physical examination of the lump. | *[[Diagnosis]] is usually made clinically and by [[physical examination]] of the [[lump]]. | ||
*Physical examination: Usually, a doctor can make a diagnosis by physical examination of the lump. | *[[Physical examination]]: Usually, a doctor can make a [[diagnosis]] by [[physical examination]] of the [[lump]]. | ||
*Biopsy of the lump may be needed when: | *[[Biopsy]] of the [[lump]] may be needed when: | ||
** There is a doubt in the diagnosis. | ** There is a doubt in the [[diagnosis]]. | ||
** The lump grows rapidly. | ** The [[lump]] grows rapidly. | ||
*Imaging studies such as ultrasound and/or CT scan may also be used if liposarcoma (malignant form of lipoma) is suspected. | *[[Imaging]] studies such as [[ultrasound]] and/or [[CT scan]] may also be used if [[liposarcoma]] ([[malignant]] form of lipoma) is suspected. | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
*A lipoma is rarely a serious medical condition. However, a rapidly growing mass needs further evaluations. | *A lipoma is rarely a serious medical [[condition]]. However, a rapidly growing [[mass]] needs further evaluations. | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
*Treatment options for lipoma include: | *Treatment options for lipoma include: | ||
**Surgical excision | **[[Surgical]] excision | ||
**Deoxycholate injections | **[[Deoxycholate]] injections | ||
**Liposuction | **[[Liposuction]] | ||
==Diseases with similar symptoms== | ==Diseases with similar symptoms== | ||
*[[Liposarcoma]] | *[[Liposarcoma]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:56, 21 November 2019
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Lipoma |
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Lipoma On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D. Sahar Memar Montazerin, M.D.[2]
Overview
Lipomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that come from fat cells and grow under the skin. They are usually soft, round and movable lumps. Lipomas can occur at any age, but they are most common during middle age from 40 to 60 years old. Because lipomas are benign and harmless, treatment generally isn't necessary. But if the lipoma is in a bothersome location, is painful, or is growing, it should be removed.
What are the symptoms of Lipoma?
- Lipoma is usually asymptomatic. However, it may be painful.
- Lipomas are often located under the skin. They often affect the neck, shoulders, back, arms and thighs.
- They are usually less than 2 inches or 5 centimeters in diameter. Large lipomas are usually less than 10 cm.
Who is at highest risk?
- The exact cause of lipomas is not clear. Studies suggest injury may help the development of lipoma.
- Genetic factors likely play a role in the development of lipomas.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is usually made clinically and by physical examination of the lump.
- Physical examination: Usually, a doctor can make a diagnosis by physical examination of the lump.
- Biopsy of the lump may be needed when:
- Imaging studies such as ultrasound and/or CT scan may also be used if liposarcoma (malignant form of lipoma) is suspected.
When to seek urgent medical care?
- A lipoma is rarely a serious medical condition. However, a rapidly growing mass needs further evaluations.
Treatment options
- Treatment options for lipoma include:
- Surgical excision
- Deoxycholate injections
- Liposuction
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Lipoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating lipoma
Prevention of Lipoma
For the exact cause of lipomas is not very clear, there is no effective method to prevent it. According to possible risk factors of lipoma, the following measures may be helpful.
- Avoidance injury
- Screen test of HMG I-C gene for people with a family history of mesenchymal tumors and familial multiple lipomatosis.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- The outlook of lipoma is always good.