Lipoma: signs, diagnosis, and treatment methods
Review of lipoma: essence and characteristics
Lipoma is a benign tumor composed of adipose tissue. Lipomas often occur under the skin; however, they can also develop deeper, for example, within muscles or internal organs. This type of tumor is most commonly found in middle-aged and older individuals, but can occur in patients of any age and gender.
Lipomas usually do not cause pain and generally do not pose a health threat. In most cases, treatment for lipomas is limited to their removal if there is cosmetic discomfort or other reasons. The diagnosis of a lipoma is typically based on clinical examination and additional methods such as ultrasound or biopsy.
Etiology of lipoma
A lipoma, although considered a benign tumor, primarily develops due to the accumulation of fat cells under the skin. The causes of lipoma formation may include genetic predisposition, metabolic disorders, as well as environmental factors. It is important to consider that the exact mechanism causing the development of a lipoma requires further research for a complete understanding of this process.
- Genetic predisposition: the presence of a family history may increase the likelihood of developing a lipoma.
- Metabolic disorders: an imbalance in fat metabolism may contribute to the formation of fatty tumors.
- Environmental factors: exposure to toxins or abnormal environmental conditions can affect the development of lipomas.
- Specific hormonal changes: a hormonal imbalance may sometimes be associated with the appearance of a lipoma.
- Injuries or trauma: repeated injuries to certain areas of tissue may trigger the emergence of fatty tumors.
Signs of a lipoma
A lipoma typically presents as a soft, mobile lump under the skin that easily shifts when pressed. Patients may notice an increase in the size of the tumor over time or feel discomfort when it comes into contact with clothing or when pressure is applied to the area. Often, a lipoma does not cause pain or other symptoms, but in some cases, it may be sensitive to touch or pressure. A medical examination and assessment usually allow for an accurate diagnosis of a lipoma, but in rare cases, more detailed investigation with additional diagnostic methods may be required.
- Soft and mobile tumor under the skin, which easily shifts when pressed.
- Increase in the tumor’s size over time or discomfort when in contact with clothing or when pressure is applied to the area.
- Sensitivity to touch or pressure in the area of the lipoma.
- Absence of pain or other severe symptoms characteristic of inflammation or infection.
- The need for a medical examination for an accurate diagnosis of the lipoma.
The specialists’ view on the treatment of lipoma
Experts in the field of medicine generally agree that the primary method for treating a lipoma is surgical removal of the tumor. Surgical intervention involves excising the lipoma through a small incision in the skin and extracting the tumor along with surrounding tissues. This method is usually considered the most effective and yields good results in most cases.
In addition to surgical treatment, some experts consider alternative approaches, such as liposuction or corticosteroid injections, which may be applied in certain cases. It is important to discuss all possible treatment options with a medical professional to choose the most suitable and effective approach for each individual case of lipoma.
Methods of diagnosing lipoma
Diagnosis of a lipoma includes visual inspection and palpation of the tumor, which allows for the assessment of its size, consistency, and mobility. To clarify the diagnosis and rule out other possible tumors, additional studies such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging may be required. A biopsy, if necessary, may be performed to confirm the benign nature of the tumor and exclude malignant processes.
- Visual inspection: The expert conducts a visual analysis of the tumor, assessing its size, shape, and location.
- Palpation: By feeling the tumor, the specialist determines its texture, consistency, and mobility.
- Ultrasound examination: A non-invasive method that provides a more detailed view of the tumor’s structure.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An innovative method that provides an accurate image of the tumor and surrounding tissues.
- Biopsy: A procedure in which a tissue sample is taken for laboratory analysis to establish a diagnosis.
Options for treating lipoma
- Waiting and observation: In most cases, lipomas do not cause any symptoms and do not require treatment, so the “waiting and observation” option may be recommended in the absence of discomfort or cosmetic concerns.
- Surgical removal: If the lipoma causes discomfort, pain, or cosmetic dissatisfaction, surgical removal of the tumor may be recommended.
- Liposuction: For some large lipomas or lipomas located in aesthetically significant areas of the body, liposuction may be an effective way to remove the tumor.
- Outpatient removal: Small lipomas located on the surface of the skin can sometimes be removed on an outpatient basis using puncturing and removal of the contents of the tumor.
- Medication treatment: In some cases, the use of corticosteroid injections may help reduce the size of the lipoma, especially if surgical intervention is undesirable.
Methods of preventing lipoma
- Healthy eating: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains can help maintain a healthy weight and prevent excess accumulation of fat cells.
- Physical activity: Regular physical exercise reduces the risk of excess weight and improves metabolism, which can be beneficial for preventing the formation of lipomas.
- Regular medical check-ups: Having regular examinations with a doctor will help detect any suspicious growths under the skin at early stages and start treatment in a timely manner.
- Avoiding injuries and traumatic procedures: Minimizing the risk of injuries will help prevent possible consequences, such as the development of fat cysts or lipomas at the site of injury.
- Consulting a specialist when a new growth appears: In case a new tumor appears under the skin or any other unusual changes occur, it is important to immediately consult a doctor for further examinations and advice on next steps.