Is a Lipoma a Tumor?

Lipomas, by definition, are benign masses that are composed of fat cells. They are characterized as tumors because they are composed of proliferative fat cells that are of the same genetic composition. There are other types of fatty tumors that are cancerous but they differ significantly from lipomas in terms of growth pattern, invasion into adjacent structures, and time line of growth.

Lipomas are diagnosed on examination and by history. The true diagnosis is only made after examination by a pathologist.

The good news about lipomas is that they are generally easily removed as they do not invade other structures. They are generally shelled out with the capsule intact.

Consult with a plastic surgeon who can minimize the size and extent of the incision.

A lipoma could be considered a tumor, as it is a collection of fat (adipose) cells that form a mass. However, this does not mean that it is a malignant (cancerous) tumor or mass. Lipomas are almost always benign growths. Cancer can cause masses or enlarged lymph nodes, but does not cause benign lipomas. Having a lipoma is also not a sign that a patient has cancer. Lipomas are very common.
All the best,

Lipomas are indeed a tumor.  However they are typically benign.  Having said that, how do you know that what you are feeling, or seeing is a lipoma ?  You should be evaluated, and in most cases I would recommend removal of the growth to ensure that it is indeed a benign lipoma and not something more ominous.

Removal in my hands, is typically performed under local anesthesia, often on the same day the patient is seen.

 

There are two general types of tumors: benign and malignant. Benign tumors are non-cancerous. Malignant tumors are cancerous. All malignant tumors need to be evaluated and treated, in some fashion. Most benign tumors are usually removed simply because of the concern that they may be or become malignant.

Thank you for your question.  I get asked that a lot by my patients. 

The short answer is yes, a lipoma is a tumor.  But many things or tumors.  Tumor just means lump of tissue.  There are good tumors and bad tumors.  The majority of tumors are benign (good).  Some tumors can be malignant (bad, cancer).  And in rare cases, there are benign tumors that, while not malignant, can recur and cause problems.

 

The good news is fatty tumors (lipomas) are almost always benign.  Still, to be sure, you do want to make sure you’re evaluated by a physician.  There are some very rare cancers (liposarcomas) that can appear benign but are not.  Rapid increase in size, pain, skin changes, numbness, etc are symptoms of concern.

 

Stay Well,

 

Erik Borncamp MD , FACS