Symptoms of lipoma

Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
Updated on April 16, 2025
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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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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Can lipomas be treated with moxibustion?

Lipomas are relatively common subcutaneous tumors that often occur on the limbs and trunk. They consist of fatty tissue and generally do not present clinical symptoms. Patients with lipomas can undergo moxibustion treatment, a traditional Chinese medical practice that is beneficial for health. However, moxibustion does not treat lipomas, and it does not cause lipomas to shrink or disappear. Clinically, the only way to remove a lipoma is through surgical excision.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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How to eliminate lipomas?

Lipomas are relatively common superficial tumors, which are benign tumors caused by subcutaneous fat proliferation. If a lipoma does not cause any obvious clinical symptoms and is relatively small, it may not require treatment. Clinically, if removal of the lipoma is desired, the only treatment is surgical removal. Under local anesthesia, the lipoma can be excised and the surgical incision sutured up to complete the procedure. Medication, physiotherapy, massage, etc., cannot eliminate lipomas. Therefore, as mentioned above, surgery is the only method to remove lipomas.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Symptoms of Lipoma

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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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Do lipomas infect other people?

Lipomas are non-contagious and are tumorous formations of normal fatty tissue, often found in the limbs and trunk. They generally have clear boundaries, are soft in texture, and may feel cystic without causing pain. Lipomas grow slowly and can sometimes become very large. For most lipomas, observation is sufficient, and diagnosis can be confirmed through ultrasonography. Most patients do not require surgical treatment. However, if there is suspicion of malignancy in deeper lipomas, timely surgical removal is necessary. For lipomas that grow rapidly, cause symptoms, or affect appearance, early surgical intervention is also recommended. If pathology confirms the diagnosis, some lipomas may be liposarcomas. Most can be assessed for risk, and further treatment might be needed.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Do lipomas hurt when pressed?

For most lipomas, there is no pain when pressed. Lipomas are formed due to excessive proliferation of subcutaneous fat, with clear boundaries and very good mobility, and there is no pain upon pressing. If the lipoma is small or there are multiple lipomas, there is no need for excessive attention or surgical treatment in everyday life. Of course, excessive massaging or rubbing should be avoided. If pain occurs when pressing the lipoma, or if the lipoma is relatively large and grows significantly in a short period, surgical removal should be considered. Generally, the lipoma can be completely removed under local anesthesia.