Overview

Lipoma is a common benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of fat tissue. It usually appears as a soft, painless lump just beneath the skin. While lipomas are generally harmless, they can sometimes cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns depending on their size and location.

What Is Lipoma?

A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump that develops within the subcutaneous tissue. It is the most common soft tissue tumor and can occur anywhere on the body, commonly on the neck, shoulders, back, or arms. Lipomas are usually movable under the skin and have a rubbery texture.

Symptoms

• Soft, painless, and movable lump under the skin
• Usually small but can grow larger over time
• Typically not tender unless pressing on nearby nerves
• Slow growth over months or years
• Rarely causes symptoms unless located near nerves or joints

Causes

• Exact cause unknown
• May have a genetic predisposition as lipomas sometimes run in families
• Possible minor injuries triggering fat cell growth (theory)

Risk Factors

• Age between 40 and 60 years
• Family history of lipomas
• Certain inherited conditions like familial multiple lipomatosis

Complications

• Rarely, lipomas can grow large enough to cause discomfort or restrict movement
• Lipomas rarely transform into cancer (liposarcoma)
• Cosmetic concerns in visible areas

Prevention

• No known prevention due to unclear causes
• Regular check-ups if lumps change size, shape, or become painful

Treatment Options in Korea

Korea offers effective diagnosis and treatment for lipomas through:

• Clinical Examination: Physical assessment and imaging (ultrasound, MRI) to confirm diagnosis.
• Surgical Removal: Minor outpatient procedure to excise the lipoma, especially if symptomatic or for cosmetic reasons.
• Liposuction: Minimally invasive option to reduce lipoma size in selected cases.
• Observation: Small, asymptomatic lipomas may be monitored without immediate treatment.
• Histopathological Analysis: To rule out malignancy in suspicious cases.

With Korea’s expert surgeons and advanced diagnostic tools, patients receive safe and effective treatment tailored to their needs.