Medical Science & Technology

Early Lipoma Symptoms and the Facts about Lipoma Treatment Procedures

What is Lipoma?

Lipoma is a fatty lump that is extremely slow growing found between the skin and muscle layer underneath the skin. In most cases, lipoma is very easy to recognize due to it being very easy to move around if there is any pressure on it. When touched it is not normally tender and has a doughy feel to it. In some cases there may be more than one. They can develop on the human body at any age but occur most often during older (ages 40-60). Lipoma is not cancerous and is not usually considered life threatening.

Lipoma Symptoms

Locations of lipomas are usually found on neck, back, arms, and shoulder, but they can also develop on other parts of the body. Men have a higher risk of developing lipomas than women.

• Located underneath the skin between the skin and muscle layer.
• Not tender and has a doughy feel to it.
• Slow growing so they tend to be small.
• In some cases are painful.

A lipoma is hardly known for being a severe medical problem, but if you noticed any swelling or lumps located on any part of your body, you should always get it checked by your family care physician. Regardless of the size or pain caused by swelling or lump, any changes in your body should raise concerns and should always be taken seriously to make sure that you are in good health.

Types of Lipoma

• Chrondroi Lipoma – grows on women’s legs are yellowish and seat deep in the skin.
• Pleomorphic Lipoma – A type of spindle cell that usually affects older men
• Spindle Cell Lipoma – Common in men. Found on shoulders, neck, and back.
• Intradermal Spindle Cell Lipoma – Common in Women. Found on head, neck, back.
• Angiolipoleiomyoma – Stays dormant inside the skin involving connective tissue.
• Angiolipoma – Causes extreme pain and shares the same characteristics as Angiolipoleiomyoma.

Lipoma Treatment

When you notice any of the Lipoma symptoms you should follow these steps

• Physical examination by your physician
• Tissue sample of the lipoma
• Ultrasound

After these examinations are complete and your physician indicates your diagnosis that you do have lipoma, these are procedures that can take place as lipoma treatments.

• Your physician will inject an anesthetic around the lipoma and make an incision to remove the lipoma and close up the skin with stiches.
• Steroid Injections – This treatment will shrink the lipoma but doesn’t get rid of the tumor.
• Liposuction – Just like removing body fat, the treatment uses a large syringe and a needle to remove the lump.

There are some natural remedies available for lipoma, but when you notice any indication of changes in your body and especially lumps, it’s best to go straight to your physician. Natural remedies only slow down the process of lipoma, they will not get rid of the lump. Once you have done your physical exam and tests to determine your lump diagnosis you should always discuss with your physician the methods of removal and the procedure you feel most comfortable with for lipoma treatment.