A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump that is most often situated between the skin and the underlying muscle layer
. It is a benign, harmless condition that is usually not cancerous
. Lipomas can occur anywhere in the body, but they commonly appear in the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs
. Some characteristics of lipomas include:
- Soft and doughy to the touch
- Moves easily with slight finger pressure
- Generally small, with a size of less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) in diameter
- Sometimes painful, especially if they grow and put pressure on nearby nerves or blood vessels
Lipomas are often detected in middle age, and some people may have more than one lipoma
. They can be inherited, and certain medical conditions, such as Gardner's syndrome, Cowden syndrome, Madelung's disease, and adiposis dolorosa, may increase the risk of developing lipomas
. In most cases, lipomas do not require treatment, but if a lipoma is causing pain, complications, or cosmetic concerns, it can be removed by a healthcare provider
