Symptoms of Lipoma

Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Lipomas are considered superficial tumors, often caused by proliferation of subcutaneous fat. When lipomas occur, patients may feel localized pain, but most patients do not have significant pain symptoms. Instead, a mass appears under the skin, which typically presents as lobulated, can be moved, and has a smooth surface. The consistency is either relatively firm or soft. These are typical clinical manifestations of lipomas. Clinically, an ultrasound examination is needed to assist in the diagnosis, and surgical removal is recommended after diagnosis.

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What is lipoma surgery?

The necessity of surgery for lipomas depends on their location. Lipomas are commonly found on the limbs. Whether surgery is needed depends on the size, location, and impact of the lipoma on the body. Surgery is generally recommended for lipomas that are particularly large or symptomatic. The surgical procedure involves excision followed by a pathological examination, as there is still a possibility that some lipomas could be liposarcomas, especially when located on the limbs, where such cases are more common. Therefore, for lipomas with significant symptoms and prominent manifestation, surgical removal is usually advised.

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Can lipomas disappear?

Lipomas generally do not disappear on their own. They form due to abnormal or excessive growth in the subcutaneous fat, presenting as localized lumps with an outer membrane encapsulating them. Lipomas are typically soft with high mobility and well-defined borders. Small lipomas usually do not require surgical treatment; close monitoring to check for changes in size is sufficient. However, if a lipoma is large, causes local compression symptoms, or pain, surgical removal may be considered.

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Do lipomas need to be treated?

Lipomas are a type of benign disease. For smaller lipomas, such as those with a diameter of about 1 centimeter, it is not necessary to consider surgical treatment. However, it is important to monitor the size of the lipoma. In cases where the lipoma is larger, for example, exceeding 3 centimeters in diameter, or if there is pain in the lipoma, or if it grows significantly in a short period of time, surgical removal should be considered. The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, with lidocaine injected into the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Once anesthetized, an incision is made along the skin lines over the surface of the lipoma, followed by strategic separation and complete excision of the lipoma. The excised lipoma should then be sent to the pathology department for pathological examination.

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How to prevent lipomas

For the prevention of lipomas, it is first necessary for patients to strictly control their weight. This is because if there is an excess of fat in the body, it is very easy for lipomas to form. Therefore, it is recommended that patients maintain a light diet in everyday life, avoiding the intake of too much high-fat and high-cholesterol food. They should eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, maintain a pleasant mood, relieve worries, avoid emotional tension, and regularly participate in exercise.

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Can lipomas be massaged?

Lipomas are relatively common surface tumors, commonly found on the limbs and trunk. Composed of adipose tissue and located subcutaneously, it is advised against massaging a lipoma. First, massaging a lipoma will not cause it to dissipate. Secondly, prolonged massaging of a lipoma might lead to stimulation and possibly to gradual growth of the tumor. Clinically, lipomas can be treated surgically, which is relatively straightforward to perform under local anesthesia by excising the lipoma, thus curing it.