Lipomas

A lipoma is a non-cancerous lump that presents due to an overgrowth of fat cells beneath the skin. A lipoma can affect any part of the body, although they are most common on the neck, shoulders, torso, thighs and armpits – anywhere that fatty tissue is present. Less frequently, they may also occur in the muscles, bones or internal organs.

A lipoma will usually feel like an oval shaped lump that is just beneath the surface of the skin. It is soft in texture with regular, smooth edges. They are most often painless unless they are occurring in an area that causes irritation of blood vessels or on joints, for example. Unless a deep lipoma is present (one that affects the internal organs, muscles or bones) then there are not usually any further symptoms.

It is quite common for a person to develop a lipoma between the ages of 40 & 60. They can be idiopathic, or can be due to some lifestyle factors such as: high cholesterol, obesity, liver disease or glucose intolerance. In other cases where a medical condition is present, such as with diabetes or other known syndromes, the occurrence of a lipoma may be more likely. A lipoma is usually easily diagnosed through a physical examination carried out by a medical professional.

Many people live perfectly content lives with a lipoma, and in some instances they may disperse on their own without treatment. However, if you have a lipoma that is aesthetically displeasing, or is causing pain or discomfort then you may wish to have it surgically removed. If you suspect you may have a lipoma, then speaking with the expert team at Reshape & Restore will be a great first step to diagnosing the lipoma and we can then recommend the best course of treatment for you.