What is a Lipoma?

Lipomas are subcutaneous fatty growths that are benign.  Patients typically want them removed because they are unsightly or by pressing on nerves are uncomfortable.  They typically start small and gradually enlarge to as much as 5-10 cm in diameter over a period of years.

There are genetic and familial aspects to lipomas. The large, rubbery lipomas are usually solitary. 60% are associated with an identifiable chromosomal abnormality, while patients with multiple, small lipomas on their chest, arms and legs often have a family history and there are no chromosomal changes.

Under the microscope the lipoma cells look just like ordinary fat cells. They can have a thin capsule around them, which the surgeon will try to dissect free of surrounding skin and tissue to try to get all the lipoma cells out. This is not always possible, so even if lipomas are surgically removed, they can recur.

Removal is done by some variant of a surgical technique:  direct excision, liposuction, and my preferred method, laser dissolution followed by aspiration through a minimal, hidden incision.

Lipomas are benign fatty growths. They typically are slow growing and people desire to have them removed because they are unsightly. Occasionally they can cause real problems. There is a very small chance that they could be cancerous and poise a real health risk. Pathology examination is usually warranted to verify it's benign. Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to developing them. They can normally be removed under local anesthesia. 

A  lipoma is a fatty growth usually separate than your normal natural fat. They can grow anywhere in the body but are usually more common on the trunk and extremities. They are usually slow growing and when they grow large can cause pain discomfort or be a cosmetic deformity.  larger lipomas have a very small risk of becoming cancer and most are benign.  They are removed surgically and most can be done under local anesthesia. I would recommend you find a board-certified plastic surgeon who has an extensive experience in lipoma removal.Best Regards,Dr. Michael Gartner

Hi,
A lipoma is a benign fatty growth. In certain areas, they can cause cosmetic concerns or pain, but if you don't have symptoms, you don't need surgery to remove the lipoma.
Mehdi Sina, MD

A lipoma is a collection of fat (adipose) cells that form into a mass or lump under the skin. These can at times be tender or painful, and often tend to enlarge or grow over time. In almost all cases, they are a benign growth, with a malignant lipoma, known as a liposarcoma, being an extremely rare entity.

Lipomas are benign fatty tumors composed of a collection of fat cells that only know how to grow, generally very slowly, independent of your weight. Multiple lipomas can be familial. Rarely, a malignant tumor, called a liposarcoma, may mimic one of these- but tend to grow fast and relatively large. If concerned see your physician or surgeon

Not all subcutaneous nodule is a lipoma. Lipoma is a benign proliferation of fatty tissues due to a combination of genetic tendencies and/or trauma. Besides lipoma, the other likely possibility is an epidermal inclusion cyst. Very rarely, one may encounter a malignant cousin of lipoma known as liposarcoma. One should get evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for diagnosis and treatment.

Lipomas are collections of fat cells that are alittle firmer than normal soft fat.  They very rarely ever turn bad and are easy to remove under local anesthesia for about $350 each if small.

Although lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths, there are three common reasons to have them removed:
1) To have a pathologist analyze the tissue to make sure it isn't a cancerous growth.
2) The lipoma to pressing on another structure (i.e. a nerve) which is causing pain or numbness.
3) The lipoma is in an obvious area and does not look good cosmetically.

A lipoma is a benign proliferation of fatty cells in the subcutaneous fat layer of the body, above the plane of the muscles. They grow slowly and are thought to occur from trauma, although this is not known for sure.
Management of lipomas is relatively simple as they are encased in a fibrous shell and can be removed with a small incision.
All bumps or lumps under the skin, however, should not be ignored, as they may be indicative of a malignancy. Always ask a physician to evaluate a lipoma by exam to verify the suspicion for lipoma vs. malignancy.