What is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a lump of fat that grows in your body’s soft tissues.
It’s the most common tumor to form beneath your skin. About 1 person out of every 1,000 will get one at some point. You most often find them in your upper body, arms, or thighs.
Symptoms of Lipoma
They usually appear as small, soft lumps. They’re typically less than 2 inches wide. You could have more than one.
When you press on the lipoma, it may feel doughy. It will move easily with finger pressure. They don’t normally hurt, but they can cause pain if they bump against nearby nerves or have blood vessels running through them.
Causes of Lipoma
It isn’t clear what causes them. Middle-aged men and women tend to get them more. They also run in families.
Lipomas often show up after an injury, though doctors don’t know whether that’s what makes them form.
When to Call a Doctor
If you notice a lump or swelling on your body, have a doctor check it out. They can let you know whether it’s a harmless lipoma or something that needs more tests.
Lipomas can form inside muscles or internal organs, but this doesn’t happen often. If one is causing pain or affecting your muscles, you might have to get it removed.
It’s rare, but a lump may be a type of cancer called a liposarcoma, which grows rapidly and can be painful. If your doctor suspects this condition, they’ll suggest more tests.