A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that grows under the skin. It is harmless and can usually be left alone.
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 grow very slowly.
About one 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.
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 are unsure whether it is a lipoma or you are worried it could be more serious, see your doctor. 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 it will turn into skin cancer.
Also see your doctor if your lump:
In this case, your doctor will want to rule out either angiolipoma, a benign lipoma caused by an increase in small blood vessels, or liposarcoma, a very rare type of soft tissue cancer (see the Cancer Research UK website for more information).
You may want your lipoma removed if it's large or in an obvious place and is affecting your self-esteem.
However, you will need to pay for this procedure privately. This is because the removal of a lipoma is regarded as
.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.
Some privately practicing doctors will be able to remove lipomas. Otherwise, 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
, which will numb the area, before the doctor 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.Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.