What is Lipoma & What Is The Treatment For Lipoma ?

Lipoma is a condition in which excess growth of fat cells between the skin and the fibrous capsule occurs. Lipomas usually develop slowly and are not considered to be cancerous. They can occur in any part of the body but they commonly affect the torso, neck, upper thighs, upper arms, and armpits.

A lipoma is just an outgrowth of the skin due to deposition of fat and therefore, can be detected easily. People can have more than one lipoma. Generally, these are soft, painless and harmless but the doctor may advise you to remove them if they trouble you.

Lipomas can be single or multiple benign subcutaneous tumors which can be easily recognized since they are rounded, soft and lobulated. Most of the lipomas are small in shape, but at times they can grow to almost 6 cm. Lipomas are said to be composed of fat cells with a framework of connective tissues and tend to have the same morphology as normal fat cells.

The angiolipomas are said to have a vascular component which can be tender in cold and ambient temperatures. These lipomas often would need excision whereas in other cases, those lipomas should be only excised if they are termed as disfigured. When the lipomas are soft, the doctor can also consider going in for liposuction since they would only have one minor connective tissue.

Treatment For Lipoma

In general, there is no requirement for the treatment for lipoma but if it grows in size and become painful, the doctor may recommend you:

Surgical procedure for the removal of lipoma:

Recurrence is uncommon but scarring or bruising may occur.

Steroid injections:

Steroid injections can be suggested to reduce the size of lipoma. But this treatment does not eliminate the lipoma completely.

Liposuction:

In this type of treatment a needle and a syringe are used in order to remove the fatty lump.

For those who are looking out for a cure for lipoma without the risks of any side effects which are mostly associated with synthetic drugs or invasive procedures, then they can opt for natural remedies.

Turmeric:

Turmeric is a widely used spice in many households, also known as Curcumin. It is an herbal remedy which is known to be used for curing lipomas naturally. Curcumin is an active ingredient found in turmeric that is known to help in the shrinkage of those fatty lumps formed on the skin. Turmeric can be applied topically as a mask for which you would need to mix turmeric powder with olive oil for creating the paste. Turmeric has been effectively used for application on lumps that have been formed on dogs, but it has also shown effectiveness in humans. Ensure to cover the paste after application with a bandage or a clean cloth since the yellow color of turmeric can lead to dyeing on the clothes.

Thuja:

Thuja, which is a part of the cedar family, is also considered as an effective herbal remedy for lipomas. It is commonly being used as part of the homeopathic treatment in curing lipomas. This plant extract is mixed with water and then applied on the impacted area of the body. This procedure should be carried out up to three times in a day. Thuja is mostly used as an adjunctive treatment for curing lipomas along with any other natural methods of treating it, for example bringing about changes in the dietary pattern.

Changes in the diet:

Diet is known to influence how our body would react, similarly here diet is said to influence the risk for an individual in developing lipoma. The lump is said to mostly form by the growth of fatty tissues and one can reduce the risk by cutting down the intake of fat from the diet. Consuming less of fats or no fats can also help to prevent the development of fat tissues. Hence, it is very important to replace fatty food items with fresh fruits and veggies. Also, look to avoid any kind of processed foods or those with artificial flavoring or sweeteners.

Sage:

The sage plant is another natural remedy that has proved to be beneficial in reducing the size of the lipoma. Sage is known to have a natural affinity to the fat cells and when it is applied on the affected skin, it helps in naturally dissolving those fatty tissues which tend to form lipoma. Few of the herb experts believe that those fatty tissues which have been formed into lipomas are caused due to imbalance in the fluids present in the body and sage plant is said to bring about effective fluid balance in the body, thus helping in the prevention of the growth of lipomas.

What is Lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of fatty tissue that grows just under the skin. They are the most common type of soft tissue tumor in the body. Lipomas typically feel soft and rubbery, and they can vary in size from small to large (sometimes several inches in diameter). While lipomas are generally harmless, they can be uncomfortable or unsightly, depending on their location.

Characteristics of Lipoma:

• Shape & Texture: Lipomas are usually round or oval in shape and have a soft, rubbery texture.

• Size: They can range in size from less than an inch to several inches in diameter.

• Location: They commonly occur on the shoulders, back, arms, and thighs, though they can develop anywhere on the body.

• Growth: Lipomas grow slowly and are typically painless, although larger ones may cause discomfort if they press against nerves or muscles.

• Movability: Lipomas are usually movable under the skin when touched, which helps distinguish them from other types of growths or tumors.

Causes of Lipoma

The exact cause of lipomas is not always known, but there are a few factors that are believed to contribute to their development:

1. Genetics: Lipomas often run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition. In some cases, a family history of lipomas may increase the likelihood of developing them.

2. Age: They typically develop in adults between the ages of 40 and 60, although they can occur at any age.

3. Trauma or Injury: Some people may notice the growth of a lipoma following an injury or trauma to a particular area, though trauma is not always a clear cause.

4. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Gardner’s syndrome and Adiposis dolorosa, are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple lipomas.

Treatment for Lipoma

Since lipomas are generally benign and asymptomatic, they don’t always require treatment. However, if a lipoma becomes painful, grows large, or affects the person’s quality of life, treatment may be recommended. Below are the common treatment options:

1. Surgical Excision

• Procedure: This is the most common and effective way to remove a lipoma. The surgeon will make an incision in the skin, remove the fatty lump, and then close the incision with stitches.

• Benefits: Surgical removal completely eliminates the lipoma and reduces the chance of it returning.

• Considerations: This option may require a local anesthetic and some recovery time. Scarring is a possibility, depending on the size and location of the incision.

2. Liposuction

• Procedure: In some cases, liposuction may be used to remove the fatty tissue inside a lipoma. This involves inserting a thin tube into the lipoma and sucking out the fat.

• Benefits: Liposuction leaves smaller scars compared to surgical excision.

• Considerations: Liposuction may not be suitable for larger lipomas, and there is a small chance the lipoma could recur.

3. Steroid Injections

• Procedure: In some cases, a doctor may inject steroids into the lipoma. This can shrink the lipoma, though it usually doesn’t remove it entirely.

• Benefits: This is a non-surgical option, and it may be useful for people who are not good candidates for surgery.

• Considerations: Steroid injections may not work for all lipomas and can cause thinning of the skin at the injection site.

4. Minimally Invasive Lipoma Removal (Laser or Radiofrequency)

• Procedure: This is a newer, less invasive treatment for small lipomas. Laser or radiofrequency techniques can be used to break down and remove the fatty tissue.

• Benefits: This approach can involve less downtime and smaller scars.

• Considerations: It’s mainly used for smaller lipomas and may not be suitable for larger ones.

When Should You Seek Treatment?

You should consult a doctor if:

• The lipoma grows rapidly.

• It becomes painful or tender.

• It interferes with movement or function (for example, on a joint).

• You notice multiple lipomas appearing.

• The appearance of the lipoma causes significant concern or self-consciousness.

Are Lipomas Dangerous?

Lipomas are generally harmless and non-cancerous. However, in rare cases, a lipoma may be confused with a malignant tumor, so it’s important to have any new growths or unusual lumps evaluated by a healthcare provider. If a lipoma is painful or causes discomfort, it can also be an indication that the growth is affecting nearby nerves or tissues.

In very rare cases, lipomas can develop into liposarcomas, a type of cancerous tumor, but this is extremely uncommon. The vast majority of lipomas are completely benign.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent lipomas from developing, especially since they are largely related to genetics. However, if you have a family history of lipomas or a genetic condition that predisposes you to them, it’s a good idea to regularly monitor for new lumps or changes in existing lumps and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Summary

A lipoma is a benign fatty tumor that develops just under the skin. While it is usually harmless and painless, treatment options like surgical excision, liposuction, steroid injections, and minimally invasive techniques are available if the lipoma causes discomfort, grows large, or affects your appearance. If you suspect you have a lipoma or notice changes in an existing lump, it’s a good idea to consult with a doctor to rule out other conditions and discuss the best course of action for treatment.