Can lipomas be massaged?

Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
Updated on November 13, 2024
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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.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
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Lipoma CT presentation

Lipomas are relatively common clinically and are one of the more frequent types of superficial tumors, commonly occurring on the limbs and trunk. Generally, a physical examination and ultrasound are sufficient for an accurate diagnosis of a lipoma, and there is no need for the patient to undergo a CT scan. However, if a CT scan is performed, lipomas can present in the following ways: first, a regular or lobulated mass may be found under the skin with sparse blood flow and a regular shape; second, on a CT scan, lipomas appear as low-density lesions, with CT values typically ranging between -70 HU to -90 HU. Diagnosis of a lipoma can be confirmed through these two observations.

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Symptoms of lipoma

Lipomas are common in clinical settings and often occur on the limbs and trunk. Lipomas are benign tumors, and their clinical manifestations are primarily subcutaneous, presenting as a flat, irregular, or lobulated mass. The surface of these masses does not show redness or rupture, and they can generally be moved. Lipomas have a firm or soft texture. These are the most typical clinical manifestations of lipomas. Some patients may experience localized discomfort, and surgery can be performed to remove the lipoma after it has developed.

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Can lipomas be massaged?

Lipomas should not be massaged. They form from abnormal hyperplasia in the subcutaneous fat tissue of the patient, presenting as localized nodules or lumps with clear boundaries and usually painless when pressed. Lipomas can be solitary or multiple. If the lipoma is small, close follow-up is sufficient; massaging or local stimulation is generally not recommended. Massaging or stimulating the area can potentially lead to an increase in the size of the lipoma, and it may provoke pain and other complications. In severe cases, it can cause the lipoma to become malignant.

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General Surgery
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What should I do if my lipoma hurts?

Lipomas are relatively common in clinical settings and are benign tumors on the body surface, often found on the limbs and trunk. Generally, they don't cause obvious clinical symptoms except for the appearance of a lump under the skin. The lump is usually flat, and the skin surface remains intact, though this is not absolute. Some patients may experience pain in the lipoma, particularly when lipomas appear symmetrically on the limbs, causing localized pain. In such cases, surgical treatment is recommended, which can be performed under local anesthesia to remove the lipoma and alleviate the pain.

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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.