Do lipomas grow?

Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
Updated on January 24, 2025
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Lipoma is a type of tumor on the surface of the body, which is relatively common in clinical practice and often occurs in the limbs and trunk. After the development of a lipoma, a mass generally appears under the skin; the mass is tough and lobulated or flat, and the surface skin remains intact, which can be used to diagnose a lipoma. Once a lipoma develops, it may grow larger, but the growth rate is generally slow, and there are usually no obvious clinical symptoms. If a patient notices that the lipoma is enlarging, surgical removal can be considered.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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What should I do about a lipoma?

Lipomas are superficial tumors that belong to benign tumors. They occur due to the proliferation of subcutaneous fatty tissue. A B-ultrasound examination is required for confirming the diagnosis of a lipoma. If the patient shows no significant clinical symptoms and the tumor is relatively small, it is generally advisable to schedule regular check-ups; medications, massage, or physiotherapy are all ineffective. If the lipoma is relatively large, or if the patient experiences localized pain, surgical removal can be considered, which can be done under local anesthesia.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
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What department should I go to for a lipoma?

Lipoma is a disease within the range of superficial tumors. If a patient suspects a lipoma, they should visit the corresponding medical department for treatment, which is primarily determined by the location of the lipoma. If the patient has a lipoma on their limbs, they can visit the orthopedics department for diagnosis and treatment; if the lipoma is located in the abdominal area, the patient can visit general surgery; if the lipoma is located in the chest area, the patient can visit the thoracic surgery department for treatment. Lipomas often require surgical removal, performed by doctors from the aforementioned departments, allowing the patient to recover quickly.

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Written by Ma Xian Shi
General Surgery
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Is lipoma serious?

Lipoma is a common disease in clinical practice, and it is generally not very serious, so there is no need for excessive worry. A lipoma is a tumor-like mass of normal tissue, commonly found on the trunk and limbs of the body. It has a clear boundary and is lobulated, soft, and may feel like a false cyst, painless, and grows slowly. Some can be quite large. Deep lipomas that might turn malignant should be removed promptly. Generally speaking, lipomas only require surgical treatment if there is suspicion of malignancy, if the tumor is large enough to affect daily life or aesthetics, or if malignancy is suspected.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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What should not be eaten with lipoma?

Lipomas are considered benign lesions, primarily caused by abnormal proliferation of subcutaneous fat. They form lumps in adipose tissue. If a patient is clearly diagnosed with a lipoma, it is generally recommended to adhere to a light diet, consuming less food that is high in fats or proteins. It is also advised to engage in more physical activity. Through appropriate exercise, it can effectively reduce subcutaneous adipose tissue, which can lead to weight loss. It is not recommended to eat fatty meats, protein-rich foods, seafood, and the like.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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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.