Symptoms & Risk Factors for Lipomas
A lipoma is a fatty tumor typically sitting just below the skin. It consists of fat cells that are wrapped in a thin, fibrous shell. While it is always scary to find a lump under your skin, it is important to know that lipomas are noncancerous and do not pose a threat. However, given their unsightly nature and occasional discomfort, many patients choose to have their lipomas removed.
As with any unusual lump or growth, it is wise to seek the care of a professional. If it does turn out to be a lipoma, that is all the better since it will not be harmful to your health. Until your appointment for testing and diagnosis, you can use symptoms and characteristics below to get better idea of what you’re dealing with.
Lipoma symptoms
Lipoma symptoms and characteristics include the following:
- They are usually located directly under the skin.
- They occur most commonly in the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms and thighs.
- They grow very slowly.
- They feel doughy and soft.
- They move easily when touched.
- They are typically small, not more than two inches in diameter, but can grow to larger sizes.
- Lipomas are typically not painful unless they press against a nerve or contain blood vessels.
These guidelines are accurate, but they are nowhere near sufficient for a full diagnosis. For a full and accurate diagnosis, it is important to set an appointment with the Lipoma Center Los Angeles. This way you will be one hundred percent certain of your condition.
How can I be sure it's not cancer?
By definition, a lipoma is not cancerous—it is just a benign, fatty growth. However, lipomas are similar in both size and texture to a condition called liposarcoma.
Liposarcoma is a rare form of cancer made up of connective tissue that resembles fat cells. Just like lipomas, liposarcoma tumors often occur near the surface of the skin. Also similar to lipomas, liposarcoma tends to affect adults between 40 and 60 years old.
If you have a lump directly under your skin, it is unlikely that it is liposarcoma. Despite this, it is essential to receive testing and diagnosis to give you all the information you need. The professionals at Lipoma Center Los Angeles will be happy to ensure you are fully informed about your condition. Please call us today to set an appointment.
Risk factors for lipomas
As of right now, the exact cause of lipomas is unknown. However, medical resources have been able to determine several risk factors that increase the probability that a patient will contract lipomas. These risk factors are:
- There is a hereditary factor with lipomas. If a family member has one or more lipomas, it increases the risk.
- Age is apparently a risk factor. Lipomas are most likely to occur in patients between 40 and 60 years old.
- Other conditions can produce lipomas, including adiposis dolorosa, Cowden syndrome, Madelung disease and Gardner’s syndrome.
Should I see a doctor?
If you are experiencing what you believe to be a lipoma, it is essential to seek the care of a doctor. In this way, you can be certain of your condition, giving you the knowledge to seek proper treatment. At the Lipoma Center Los Angeles, our doctors employ a caring, understanding approach. We can help you understand lipoma, as well as your treatment options. Our goal is to give you the treatment you need in a healing environment, and at the Lipoma Center Los Angeles, we’ve done just that.
