Lipoma is a type of lump that appears on the skin, which is composed of fat cells having a rounded shape, which can appear anywhere on the body and that grows slowly, causing aesthetic or physical discomfort. However, this disease is not malignant and has nothing to do with cancer, although in very rare cases it can turn into a liposarcoma.
What differentiates lipoma from a sebaceous cyst is its constitution. The lipoma is made up of fat cells and the sebaceous cyst is made up of a substance called sebum. The two diseases have similar symptoms and the treatment is always the same, surgery to remove the fibrous capsule.
Although it is easier for only one lipoma to appear, it is possible that the individual has several cysts and in this case it will be called lipomatosis, which is a family disease. Learn all about lipomatosis here.
Symptoms of lipoma
Lipoma has the following characteristics:
- Rounded lesion that appears on the skin, that doesn't hurt and that has a firm, elastic or soft consistency, which can vary from half a centimeter to more than 10 centimeters in diameter, which already characterizes a giant lipoma.
Most lipomas are up to 3 cm and do not hurt but sometimes it can cause pain or a certain discomfort if the person keeps touching it. Another characteristic of lipomas is that they grow gradually over the years, without causing any discomfort for a long time, until when compression or obstruction in some neighboring tissue appears:
- Pain at the site and Signs of inflammation such as redness or increased temperature.
It is possible to identify the lipoma by observing its characteristics, but to make sure it is a benign tumor, the doctor may order tests such as X-rays and ultrasound, but computed tomography can bring a better view of the size, density and shape of the tumor..
Causes of the appearance of lipoma
It is not known what can lead to the appearance of these fat lumps in the body. Normally lipoma appears more in women who have similar cases in the family, and they are not common in children and have no direct relationship with increased fat or obesity.
Smaller and more superficial lipomas usually appear on the shoulders, back and neck. However, in some people it can develop in the deeper tissues, which can compromise arteries, nerves or lymphatic vessels, but in any case the treatment is done with its removal in surgery.
How to treat Lipoma
The treatment for lipoma consists of a minor surgery to remove it. The surgery is simple, performed in a dermatological office, under local anesthesia, and leaves a small scar in the area. Tumescent liposuction can be a solution indicated by the doctor. Aesthetic treatments like lipocavitation can help remove this accumulation of fat, however, it does not eliminate the fibrous capsule, so it can return.
The use of healing creams such as cicatrene, cicabio or bio-oil can help to improve the healing of the skin, avoiding the marks. See the best healing foods to consume after lipoma removal.
Surgery is indicated when the lump is very large or is located on the face, hands, neck or back, and it disrupts the person's life, because it is unsightly or because it makes their domestic tasks difficult.
