Overview

A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump that's most often situated between your skin and the underlying muscle layer. A lipoma, which feels doughy and usually isn't tender, moves readily with slight finger pressure. Lipomas are usually detected in middle age. Some people have more than one lipoma.

A lipoma isn't cancer and usually is harmless. Treatment generally isn't necessary, but if the lipoma bothers you, is painful or is growing, you may want to have it removed.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

Lipomas can occur anywhere in the body. They are typically:

• Situated just under the skin. They commonly occur in the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms and thighs.
• Soft and doughy to the touch. They also move easily with slight finger pressure.
• Generally small. Lipomas are typically less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) in diameter, but they can grow.
• Sometimes painful. Lipomas can be painful if they grow and press on nearby nerves or if they contain many blood vessels.

When to see a doctor

A lipoma is rarely a serious medical condition. But if you notice a lump or swelling anywhere on your body, have it checked by your doctor.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

The cause of lipomas isn't fully understood. They tend to run in families, so genetic factors likely play a role in their development.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

To diagnose a lipoma, your doctor may perform:

• A physical exam
• A tissue sample removal (biopsy) for lab examination
• An X-ray or other imaging test, such as an MRI or CT scan, if the lipoma is large, has unusual features or appears to be deeper than the fatty

There's a very small chance that a lump resembling a lipoma may actually be a form of cancer called liposarcoma. Liposarcomas — cancerous tumors in fatty tissues — grow rapidly, don't move under the skin and are usually painful. A biopsy or an MRI or CT scan is typically done if your doctor suspects liposarcoma.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors

Several factors may increase your risk of developing a lipoma, including:

• Being between 40 and 60 years old. Although lipomas can occur at any age, they're most common in this age group.
• Genetics. Lipomas tend to run in families.