Who Does Lipoma Affect?
Lipomas are a very common condition. A Lipoma affects about one out of every 1,000 people.
Lipomas are most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60, but they can occur at any age. They may even be present at the time of birth. Lipomas affect both men and women, however, women are significantly more likely to get them.
What Causes Lipoma?
Lipomas grow for unknown reasons but they can be passed down through family lines. If someone in your family has had a Lipoma, you're more likely to have one also.
Multiple Lipomas can occur on the body as a result of certain situations. The following are some of the conditions that can cause a Lipoma:
- Dercum’s Disease: This uncommon condition causes painful Lipomas to form on the arms, legs, and trunk. It's also known as Anders' syndrome or adiposis dolorosa.
- Gardner Syndrome: Gardner syndrome is a type of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which causes Lipomas and other health issues.
- Hereditary Multiple Lipomatosis:
Also called Familial Multiple Lipomatosis, this illness is hereditary (passed down through relatives) (passed down through families).
Types of Lipoma
Lipomas are made entirely of fat. Blood vessels and other tissues can be found in some Lipomas. Lipomas come in a variety of types based on their microscopic appearance, including:
Angiolipoma
Fat and blood vessels are present in this kind. Angiolipomas can be incredibly painful.
Conventional
The most common type, conventional Lipoma, contains white fat cells. White fat cells store energy.
Fibrolipoma
This type of Lipoma is made up of fat and fibrous tissue.
Hibernoma
Brown fat is present in this type of Lipoma. White fat is found in the majority of other Lipomas. Brown fat cells produce heat and aid in the regulation of body temperature.
Myelolipoma
These Lipomas contain fat and tissues that produce blood cells.
Spindle cell
These Lipomas have fat cells that are longer than they are wide.
Pleomorphic
These Lipomas have fat cells of various sizes and shapes.
Symptoms of Lipoma
Lipomas aren’t usually painful, but they can be uncomfortable if they press against a nerve or develop near a joint. Many people who have Lipoma don’t notice any symptoms.
Lipomas are usually:
- Encapsulated: They don’t spread to the tissues surrounding them
- Painless: However, some Lipomas cause pain and discomfort depending on their location, size and if blood vessels are present.
- Round or oval-shaped: Typically, the fatty lumps of rubbery tissue are symmetrical.
- Moveable:
When you touch them, they move just beneath the skin's surface.
How is Lipoma Diagnosed?
A Lipoma is usually detected during a physical examination.
When your doctor touches the Lipoma, he or she will inquire if it is painful or tender.
Biopsy & Pathology Testing
To check that the tumour is a lipoma a biopsy may be performed. A small sample of the tumour is removed by a needle, often inserted using ultrasound guidance. An expert, called a pathologist, will study the cells from the biopsy under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
Once a final diagnosis has been made your doctor will discuss with you the treatment options available based on your particular case.
Surgical Treatment for Lipoma
The majority of Lipomas do not require treatment. If you have a Lipoma that enlarging or causing symptoms, your doctor can surgically remove it. The techniques for removing a Lipoma are safe and successful, and you can typically return home the same day.
How long does it take to recover from Lipoma?
The wound will take 10-14 days to heal if it is stitched. We ask that you rest as much as possible during this time by avoiding intense exercise or anything strenuous. The next day, most people can return to their office jobs.
Showers can still be taken because a splashproof dressing is applied.
