What You Need to Know About Lipomas: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A lipoma is a benign growth of fat cells that can occur anywhere on the body. While lipomas are generally harmless, they can be a source of discomfort or embarrassment for some people. Here are some important things to know about lipomas: Symptoms : Soft, Movable Lump : The most common symptom of a lipoma is a soft, movable lump beneath the skin. The lump is usually painless and grows slowly over time. Size and Location : Lipomas can vary in size from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and thighs. Number of Lipomas : Some people may develop multiple lipomas, which can be a symptom of a condition called familial multiple lipomatosis. Diagnosis : Physical Exam : A doctor can usually diagnose a lipoma through a physical exam. They will check the size, location, and texture of the lump to determine if it is a lipoma or another type of growth. Imaging Tests : In some cases,...