What is Lipoma?

The skin covers all the vital parts of our body. It is a combination of several issues that are linked together forming a plain surface. But due to certain reasons, a bulging structure can develop under this layer called lipoma. These structures are movable fatty lumps that can grow at any age.

If you feel any kind of soft lump on your arms, legs, or back that can be touched with your finger and does not cause any pain, then it’s a lipoma. They do not pose any risk. However, some varieties that are developed due to a tumour can cause many problems.

Lipomas do not target a specific area of the body. They can be found in any region without any reason. People can even have more than one lipoma. As they are completely harmless, treatments like surgery are not required. Though, if a person suffers from discomfort or pain, then the doctor may suggest going for proper treatment.

In any case, a person should ask their doctor about such medical problems. Certain conditions like liposarcoma that is a cancerous growth need to be surgically removed as soon as possible.

Basic Overview About Lipoma

Lipomas are soft tissue structures that are visible as lumps on the skin. The formation of these lumps is not exactly known. You can move them slightly using your fingers. In addition to that, lipomas generally do not affect your daily life. But some of them that develop in close spaces can cause certain issues.

Apart from this, these colourless lumps can be removed with the help of a small surgery. When a lipoma is near the nerves and is pressed against a surface, then the person can experience severe pain. In this situation, it's better to completely remove the growing lipoma.

Factors Responsible for Lipoma

Anyone can develop single or multiple lipomas in different areas of the body. Lipoma can appear on the forearms, thighs, shoulders, and neck regions. They grow slowly and take a small space. There is no proven cause of lipoma. However, a few factors may contribute to the growth of these benign tumours. Here are some common reasons:

Cowden Syndrome

In this medical condition, multiple benign tumours grow on the patient’s body that is called hamartomas. It needs to be examined by a doctor to prevent the development of any cancer cells.

Madelung’s Disease

It is a type of disorder in which fat molecules start accumulating and get deposited in various regions of the body. These masses a concentrated fat or adipose tissue that is rarely found in individuals.

Adiposis Dolorosa

Such a condition arises when fatty tissues or adipose start creating multiple painful folds on the body. This type of disorder is usually seen in older women.

Genetics

In any human, genetics play an important role in determining different characteristics. If someone in your family history had lipomas, then there is a high chance of you having the same problem.

Obesity and No Physical Activity

Doctors have found that less or no physical exercise results in various diseases. Lipoma is one such condition that can happen because of less activity and being overweight.

Age

Different complications can arise due to the age of a person. The formation of lipomas can happen at any age. But older people are at a greater risk of having these small lumps on their bodies.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lipoma

To find the affected area and the type of lipoma, doctors can run several tests. Mainly three types of examinations are performed.

Physical Test

In this section, your doctor may ask about the general health, medications are taken before, and whether anyone in the family has such a condition. After that, the lump is examined. If the affected area is touching any nerve, causing discomfort to the patient, or having any cancerous symptoms, then the patient has to go through some other tests.

Biopsy

In this, a minute sample of tissue is taken from the lipoma. This sample is examined in a laboratory and further checked to find some results.

Imaging Tests

These are basic digital scans that include MRIs, CTs, and X-rays. Doctors use these techniques to study lipoma and find the root cause of the problem.

After the completion of various tests, either liposuction or surgery is suggested to the patient. In the surgical process, the doctor can completely remove the portion. Whereas, liposuction is a process of removing excess fat from an area using suction.

Finding a Lipoma Removal Centre

For people suffering from lipomas, the medical center offering lipoma removal Singapore is the ideal place to go. The doctor will provide you with all the necessary details to cure your condition. Lipoma treatment doesn’t take much time to remove the fatty tissue. Once, the area is cleared, the colorectal surgeon Singapore may prescribe certain medications.

Jenny Clarke is a professional writer, blogger who writes for a variety of online publications. She loves writing blogs and promoting websites related to education, beauty, fashion, travel, health and technology sectors.