Discovering a soft, moveable lump beneath your skin can be concerning, but in many cases, what you're feeling might be a lipoma. These benign fatty tumours are surprisingly common, affecting approximately 1 in 100 people. Understanding what causes lipomas and when you should seek medical attention can help alleviate anxiety and ensure you receive appropriate care when needed.

What Exactly Is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a non-cancerous growth composed of fat cells that develop between your skin and the underlying muscle layer. These soft tissue tumours typically feel rubbery or doughy to the touch and can be moved around easily under the skin. Lipomas grow slowly over time and are generally painless, though they can occasionally cause discomfort if they press against nerves or blood vessels.

Most lipomas are relatively small, measuring between 2-5 centimetres in diameter, though some can grow larger. They commonly appear on the shoulders, back, arms, and neck, but can develop anywhere on the body where fat tissue is present.

Understanding the Root Causes of Lipomas

The exact cause of lipomas remains somewhat mysterious to medical professionals, but research has identified several contributing factors that may increase your likelihood of developing these benign growths.

Genetic Predisposition

Heredity plays a significant role in lipoma development. If your parents or close relatives have experienced lipomas, you're more likely to develop them yourself. This genetic connection suggests that certain inherited traits may make some individuals more susceptible to these fatty tumours.

Some rare genetic conditions, such as familial multiple lipomatosis and Gardner syndrome, are associated with the development of multiple lipomas throughout the body. However, these conditions affect only a small percentage of people with lipomas.

Age and Demographics

Lipomas typically appear in middle-aged adults, with most cases occurring between the ages of 40 and 60. They're slightly more common in men than women, though the difference isn't dramatic. Children rarely develop lipomas, making age a significant risk factor.

Physical Trauma and Injury

Some medical professionals believe that physical trauma or injury to an area might trigger lipoma formation. This theory suggests that damage to fat cells or surrounding tissue could potentially lead to abnormal fat cell growth, though this connection isn't definitively proven.

Metabolic Factors

Certain metabolic conditions may influence lipoma development. People with diabetes, liver disease, or glucose intolerance may have a slightly higher risk of developing these growths, though the relationship isn't fully understood.

When Should You Worry About a Lipoma?

The vast majority of lipomas are completely harmless and require no treatment beyond monitoring. However, there are specific circumstances where you should seek medical evaluation promptly.

Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention

Contact your GP or a specialist if you notice any of the following changes in a suspected lipoma:

Rapid Growth: If the lump grows quickly over a few weeks or months, this could indicate something other than a typical lipoma.

Pain or Tenderness: Most lipomas are painless. Sudden onset of pain, especially if severe, warrants medical evaluation.

Hard or Fixed Texture: Lipomas should feel soft and moveable. If the lump becomes hard or seems attached to underlying tissue, seek medical advice.

Size Changes: Any significant increase in size should be examined by a healthcare professional.

Skin Changes: Redness, warmth, or other skin changes over the lump may indicate infection or another condition.

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation

When you visit a healthcare provider about a suspected lipoma, they'll typically begin with a physical examination. The doctor will assess the lump's size, texture, and mobility to determine if it matches the characteristics of a typical lipoma.

Diagnostic Procedures

In most cases, a clinical examination is sufficient for diagnosis. However, if there's any uncertainty, your doctor might recommend additional tests:

Ultrasound: This imaging technique can help distinguish between a lipoma and other types of lumps by showing the internal structure.

MRI Scans: For deeper or larger lumps, magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed images of soft tissues.

Biopsy: In rare cases where the diagnosis is unclear, a small tissue sample might be taken for laboratory analysis.

For patients requiring specialist care, various private clinics and NHS services offering lipoma removal in London provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options.

Treatment Options and Management

Most lipomas don't require any treatment and can simply be monitored over time. However, treatment may be considered in certain situations.

When Treatment Might Be Necessary

Treatment is typically recommended when lipomas:

Cause cosmetic concerns
Interfere with daily activities
Press against nerves or blood vessels
Continue growing
Cause psychological distress

Available Treatment Methods

Surgical Excision: Complete surgical removal is the most common and effective treatment, with very low recurrence rates.

Liposuction: For larger lipomas, liposuction techniques can remove the fatty tissue through small incisions.

Steroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections can help shrink lipomas, though this method is less commonly used.

Living with Lipomas: A Practical Approach

If you've been diagnosed with lipomas that don't require immediate treatment, regular self-monitoring is important. Keep track of any changes in size, texture, or symptoms, and maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.

Remember that lipomas are benign growths that rarely cause serious health problems. While they can be cosmetically bothersome or occasionally uncomfortable, they don't typically interfere with overall health and wellbeing. With proper medical guidance and monitoring, most people with lipomas can continue their normal activities without concern.

Understanding the causes and characteristics of lipomas empowers you to make informed decisions about your health whilst maintaining appropriate vigilance for any concerning changes.

This article was created in partnership with the London Dermatology Clinic, who also provided the images.

What Causes a Lipoma and Should You Be Worried?