Lipoma

What is a lipoma?

• A lipoma is a tissue mass (lump) made up of mature (fully grown) fat cells. A lipoma is the most common superficial (just under the skin) tissue mass. Lipomas may also be found deep in your body organs or tissue. Superficial lipomas are commonly found in your torso (area between your neck and waist), shoulders, upper arms, or neck. Deep lipomas are often in your chest, throat, stomach, intestine (bowel), or other organs. Lipomas are less often found in your muscles and nerves.
  
  
• You may have one or more lipomas. Lipomas in many different areas of your body are called lipomatosis. With lipomatosis, many lipomas may be found in your head, neck, shoulders, and arms. Lipomas normally grow very slow and rarely become cancer. A lipoma that has cancer cells is called a liposarcoma. Liposarcomas often have the same signs and symptoms as a lipoma. Ask your caregiver for more information about liposarcomas. Having your lipoma checked by your caregiver may help you learn if it is cancer. With treatment, your lipoma may decrease in size or be completely removed.

What causes a lipoma?

The exact cause of a lipoma is not known. Your risk of getting a lipoma or lipomatosis may be increased by the following:

• Alcohol: Drinking large amounts of alcohol, such as beer, wine, and whiskey, may increase your risk for lipomatosis.
  
  
• Gender: Single lipomas are more common in women. Men are more likely to have lipomatosis.
  
  
• Genetic changes: Damage or changes in your genes may cause a lipoma to form. Genes are little pieces of information that tell your body what to do or make. You may have been born with damaged genes that cause a lipoma.
  
  
• Medical conditions: Having liver disease or problems controlling your blood sugar may also increase your risk for a lipoma.
  
  
• Obesity: Obesity means weighing more than your caregiver suggests for your height. Being obese may increase your risk of having lipomas. Gaining weight quickly may also cause lipomas to increase in size.
  
  
• Trauma: A blunt (not sharp) blow or injury to your soft tissue may cause a lipoma. Trauma leading to a lipoma is more common in body areas such as your thigh or legs.

What are the signs and symptoms of a lipoma?

You may have no signs and symptoms if you have a lipoma. Some lipomas may cause signs and symptoms depending on where they are found in your body. You may have any of the following:

• A painful lump under your skin.
  
  
• A soft, round, movable lump under your skin.
  
  
• Blood or tissue lumps in your stool.
  
  
• Choking or trouble swallowing.
  
  
• Feeling weak or tiring easily.
  
  
• Snoring or trouble breathing.
  
  
• Voice changes.

How is a lipoma diagnosed?

Your caregiver may look at, and feel the area of your lipoma. Tell your caregiver about any signs and symptoms you are having. You may need any of the following:

• Biopsy: During a biopsy, a tissue sample is removed from your lipoma. The tissue sample will be sent to a lab for tests.
  
  
• Imaging tests: You may need imaging tests to help your caregiver see your lipoma and nearby tissue. A dye may be given before taking the pictures. People who are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies.
  
  
  • Computed tomography scan: A computed tomography scan is a special computer x-ray used to take pictures of your lipoma.
    
    
  • Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a simple test that looks inside of your body. Sound waves are used to show pictures of your lipoma and surrounding tissues on a TV-like screen.
    
    
  • Magnetic resonance imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done to look for lipomas in your muscles, joints, bones, or blood vessels. You will need to lie still during an MRI. Never enter the MRI room with any metal objects. This can cause serious injury.
    
    
  • X-ray: An x-ray may be taken to check for lipomas in your muscles and other areas of your body.

How is a lipoma treated?

Most lipomas do not need any treatment. You may need treatment if your lipoma grows and causes symptoms such as pain. You may choose to have your lipoma treated if you do not like how it looks. Treatment may include any of the following:

• Steroid injections: Steroid medicine may be given as a shot into your lipoma to shrink it. You may need this shot more than once. Steroids can help a lot but may also have side effects. Ask your caregiver for more information about this medicine.
  
  
• Surgery:
  
  
  • Liposuction: During liposuction, your caregiver will use a large syringe with a needle to remove your lipoma. Once the needle is inserted into your lipoma, your caregiver will suction out the fat inside. He may also use an endoscope during liposuction to help see your lipoma better. An endoscope is a long tube with a camera and light on its end. The endoscope is inserted through a small incision (cut) and special tools may be used to help remove the lipoma.
    
    
  • Surgical removal: During your surgery, anesthesia medicine will be used to numb the surgery site. Your caregiver will remove your lipoma through a cut in your skin. A drain (rubber tube) may be put into your skin to remove extra blood or fluid from your surgery area. Your caregiver may close your cut with stitches, and cover your wound with a bandage. Your lipoma may then be sent to a lab for tests.

When should I call my caregiver?

Call your caregiver if:

• You have blood in your stool.
  
  
• Your lipoma increases in size.
  
  
• Your lipoma is painful or you have pain in the area of your lipoma.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

When should I seek immediate help?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You feel a lump in your throat or have trouble swallowing.
  
  
• You suddenly have trouble breathing.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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