What Is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a common, benign (non-cancerous) growth made of fat cells that develops just under the skin. Lipomas are usually soft, slow-growing, and painless. They often feel rubbery or doughy and may move slightly when pressed.
Many people first notice a lipoma as a lump under the skin and worry it could be something serious. Fortunately, most lipomas are harmless. However, any new or changing lump should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.
Lipomas can occur almost anywhere on the body where fat cells are present and are one of the most common soft tissue growths seen in dermatology.
What Causes a Lipoma?
The exact lipoma causes are not always fully understood, but several factors are associated with their development.
Genetics
Lipomas often run in families. Some people inherit a tendency to develop multiple lipomas over time.
Age
Lipomas are most commonly seen in adults between the ages of 40 and 60, although they can occur at any age.
Minor Trauma
Some patients notice a lipoma after an injury to the area. While trauma does not directly cause a lipoma, it may make an existing one more noticeable.
Genetic Syndromes Associated With Lipomas
Certain inherited conditions may cause multiple lipomas, including:
- Familial multiple lipomatosis
- Dercum’s disease
- Madelung’s disease
- Gardner syndrome
- Cowden syndrome
Most people with a single lipoma do not have one of these syndromes.
What Does a Lipoma Feel Like?
Lipomas are usually:
- Soft
- Round or oval
- Slow growing
- Located just under the skin
- Movable when touched
- Usually painless
They can range in size from very small to several inches wide.
If a lipoma becomes painful, it may be an angiolipoma, which is a type of lipoma that contains more blood vessels and is often tender to the touch.
Where Can Lipomas Occur?
Lipomas can develop almost anywhere on the body.
Common locations include:
- Lipoma on the back
- Lipoma lower back
- Lipoma neck
- Lipoma arm
- Lipoma on the legs
- Lipoma abdomen
- Lipoma underarm
- Lipoma on the scalp
- Lipoma on the face
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Thighs
Because lipomas can occur in both visible and hidden areas, many patients seek evaluation for both medical and cosmetic reasons.
Lipoma vs. Cyst: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse lipomas with cysts, but they are not the same.
Lipoma
- Made of fat cells
- Usually soft and movable
- Located deeper under the skin
- Usually painless
Cyst
- Usually filled with keratin or other material
- Often firmer
- May have a visible central pore
- Can become inflamed, infected, or drain
Because treatment may differ, proper diagnosis is important.
For more information about procedures and treatment options, visit our parent page on Cyst and Lipoma Removal.
How Is a Lipoma Diagnosed?
Most lipomas can be diagnosed during a physical examination by a dermatologist.
Your doctor may recommend:
- Clinical examination
- Ultrasound
- Imaging such as MRI for larger or deeper growths
- Biopsy if the diagnosis is uncertain
Any lump that grows rapidly, feels firm, becomes painful, or changes significantly should be evaluated promptly to rule out other conditions.
When Should a Lipoma Be Treated?
Many lipomas do not require treatment if they are small, painless, and not bothersome.
However, treatment may be recommended when:
- The lipoma is painful
- It continues to grow
- It causes discomfort with clothing or movement
- It creates cosmetic concerns
- The diagnosis is uncertain
- It becomes irritated repeatedly
Lipomas can often be safely removed when necessary, especially if they are uncomfortable or cosmetically bothersome.
We discuss the full details of lipoma removal, including surgical techniques and minimizing scarring, on our dedicated Cyst and Lipoma Removal page.
Lipoma Evaluation in NYC
At Aglow Dermatology, Dr. Dina Strachan evaluates lipomas and other skin growths in patients of all skin types, including skin of color.
Whether you have a lipoma on the scalp, a lipoma on the back, a lipoma on the neck, or a lump you are not sure about, proper diagnosis matters.
Some growths that appear harmless may require further evaluation, while many benign lipomas can be managed safely and efficiently.
Schedule a Lipoma Consultation
If you have a lump under your skin and are wondering whether it is a lipoma, do not guess.
A professional evaluation can help determine whether it is harmless, whether treatment is needed, and whether removal is appropriate.
If you are looking for expert diagnosis and treatment of lipomas in New York City, contact Aglow Dermatology to schedule your consultation.
We provide thoughtful diagnosis, medical expertise, and cosmetic judgment for lipomas and other skin growths.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lipomas
Most lipomas are benign and not dangerous. However, any new or changing lump should be evaluated to confirm the diagnosis.
Typical lipomas do not turn into cancer. However, some rare tumors can resemble lipomas, which is why proper diagnosis is important.
No. Lipomas usually do not disappear without treatment. They may remain stable or slowly grow over time.
A painful lump may be an angiolipoma, which is a benign but tender type of lipoma. Painful or rapidly changing growths should always be evaluated.
Yes. Lipomas can occur on the face, scalp, neck, back, arms, legs, and many other parts of the body.
No. Many lipomas do not require treatment unless they cause pain, discomfort, cosmetic concerns, or uncertainty about the diagnosis.