Lipomas

Introduction

Lipomas are fat capsules located underneath the skin.  They are usually harmless and common.  Lipomas look like round lumps.  They may be small or grow to over an inch.  They most frequently occur on the arms and trunk.  Lipomas do not need to be removed unless they are in a bothersome location.

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Anatomy

Your skin covers your body and protects it from the environment.  Your skin is composed of three major layers, the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.  The epidermis is the outermost layer of your skin.  It protects your inner skin layers.
 
The dermis is your second layer of skin.  It is made up of connective tissue and provides structure.  The dermis contains hair cells, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands that secrete oils to hydrate the skin.
 
Subcutaneous tissue composes your inner most layer of skin.  Subcutaneous tissue contains fat cells.  The fat cells insulate your body and make your skin appear plump and full.  Below the subcutaneous tissue are fat tissues, your muscles, and your bones. 
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Causes

The exact cause of lipomas is unknown.  It appears that there may be an inherited component.  They may also develop following an injury to the area.  Lipomas are not caused from being overweight.
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Symptoms

Lipomas appear as round lumps underneath the skin.  They may be small or grow to over an inch.  Lipomas feel soft.  They are generally moveable.  Lipomas most frequently occur on the trunk, arms, armpits, neck, and upper thighs, but they may appear anywhere.  You may have more than one lipoma.
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Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose a lipoma by looking at it and feeling it.  In rare instances, a biopsy may be taken to rule out cancer if the lump appears suspicious.  Lipomas generally do not lead to cancer, but some cancers may look similar to some lipomas.  A biopsy involves removing a piece of tissue for examination.
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Treatment

Lipomas are generally harmless and do not need to be removed.  They may be removed if their appearance is bothersome or if they interfere with the movement of a joint.  Lipomas may be removed with a simple surgery or by liposuction.
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Am I at Risk

You may have an increased risk for lipomas if your close relatives have them.  They appear to run in families.  You may also be at risk if you have received an injury.
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Complications

Lipomas are harmless fatty tumors.  They are not cancer.  They do not cause cancer.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.