How is lipoma treated?

Written by Ma Xian Shi
General Surgery
Updated on April 03, 2025
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Lipoma is a common disease in our clinical practice. Most lipoma patients have a benign tumor, which is a tumorous mass of normal fatty tissue, commonly found on the limbs and trunk, with clear boundaries, lobulated, soft in texture, possibly pseudo-cystic, painless, slow-growing, and some may be very large. For deep lipomas that may have the potential for malignancy, timely surgical removal is necessary. For small lipomas, we generally observe them periodically. If the tumor is large and affects normal life or aesthetics, surgical removal can be considered. For deep lipomas, where there is a suspicion of malignant transformation, timely surgery is advisable for treatment.

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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.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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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 Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Are lipomas contagious?

Lipomas are surface tumors caused by the proliferation of subcutaneous tissues. They are benign tumors, not bacterial infections or contagious diseases. Therefore, lipomas are not contagious. Patients with lipomas can normally interact with other people without causing the spread of lipomas among the population, which is nothing to worry about. After the occurrence of a lipoma, it can be surgically removed. Generally, a lipoma can be completely excised under local anesthesia, and after the wound is sutured, the lipoma is cured.

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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 Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Lipomas belong to which department?

Lipomas are relatively superficial tumors. Generally, lipomas fall under the category of general surgery, and general surgeons can easily diagnose and remove them through surgery. However, there are exceptions. If the lipoma is located deeper and in the chest area, it is recommended for the patient to consult the thoracic department for further diagnosis and treatment. If the lipoma is located in the scapular area and is relatively large and deep, it is recommended for the patient to consult the orthopedic department. Orthopedic specialists are more familiar with the local anatomy, which can lead to better treatment outcomes for the patient.