Lipoma Removal

Posted in Disease Information

Introduction

A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that grows under the skin. It is harmless and can usually be left alone.

Lipomas can occur on any area of skin where there are fat cells, but are usually seen on the shoulders, neck, chest, arms and back. They range from the size of a pea to a few centimetres across, and they grow very slowly.

About 1 in 100 people develop a lipoma, so they are fairly common. It is unusual to develop more than one or two lipomas, unless you have a rare inherited condition called familial multiple lipomatosis, which causes lipomas to develop all over the body.

When to see Dr. B C Shah

You can usually tell if a bump is a lipoma by pressing it. It should feel smooth and soft, like rubber or dough, and may move about under the skin.

If you unsure whether it is a lipoma or you are worried it could be something more serious, meet Dr. B C Shah. They can usually confirm whether the lump is a lipoma just by examining it. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, the lipoma may be removed.

A lipoma is just a collection of fat cells and there is no evidence that it will turn into skin cancer.

Also meet Dr. B C Shah if your lump:

• Changes in any way
• Grows back after it has been removed
• Feels hard

In this case, Dr. B C Shah will want to rule out liposarcoma, a very rare type of soft tissue cancer.

Getting a lipoma removed

You may want to have your lipoma removed if it’s large or in an obvious place and affecting your self-esteem.

A lipoma may also need to be removed if it is causing discomfort. For example, it may be pressing on a nerve and causing pain.

You will need to have this procedure done in hospital as a day patient (you do not need to stay overnight).

You will be given an injection of local anaesthetic, which will numb the area, before Dr. B C Shah cuts the skin over the bump and removes the lipoma. The wound will be closed with stitches and you will be left with a fine scar.