Lipoma | |
---|---|
Lipoma on forearm | |
Small lipomas which have been removed | |
Specialty | Dermatology, general surgery oncology |
Symptoms | Soft, movable, usually painless lump[1] |
Usual onset | 40 to 60 years old[1] |
Types | Superficial, deep[2] |
Causes | Unclear[1] |
Risk factors | Family history, obesity, insufficient exercise[1][3] |
Diagnostic method | Based on physical exam[1] |
Differential diagnosis | Liposarcoma, hibernoma, lipomatosis, ganglion cyst[4] |
Treatment | Observation, surgery[1] |
Prognosis | Good[1] |
Frequency | ~2%[2] |
A lipoma is a benign tumor made of fat tissue.[1] They are generally soft to the touch, movable, and painless.[1] They usually occur just under the skin, but occasionally may be deeper.[1] Most are less than 5 cm (2.0 in) in size.[2] Common locations include upper back, shoulders, and abdomen.[4] It is possible to have several lipomas.[3]
The cause is generally unclear.[1] Risk factors include family history, obesity, and lack of exercise.[1][3] Diagnosis is typically based on a physical exam.[1] Occasionally medical imaging or tissue biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis.[1]
Treatment is typically by observation or surgical removal.[1] Rarely, the condition may recur following removal, but this can generally be managed with repeat surgery.[1] They are not generally associated with a future risk of cancer.[1]
Lipomas have a prevalence of roughly 2 out of every 100 people.[2] Lipomas typically occur in adults between 40 and 60 years of age.[1] Males are more often affected than females.[1] They are the most common noncancerous soft-tissue tumor.[5] The first use of the term "lipoma" to describe these tumors was in 1709.[6]