Lipoma

A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of fatty tissue. Typically it is a small and soft lump localized under the skin, usually painless. It is often found on the upper back, neck, shoulders, arms, buttocks and thighs. Even if they can develop at any age, very often they form in the young adult. They occur more often in men than women. It ispossible to have multiple lipomas.
Normally they do not undergo changes over time and have little risk of cancerous transformation. Often they do not require treatment but only clinical follow up. If a lipoma becomes painful and continues to grow, it can be removed by simple excision procedure.
There is no proven link between the development of lipomas and a particular profession or exposure to chemicals or radiation, although some doctors believe that lipomas are formed more often in sedentary people.

However, several risk factors can increase their impact:

- Age between 40 and 60 years.
- The presence of certain other disorders (painful adipose, Madelung disease, Cowden syndrome and Gardner's syndrome).

A lipoma presents as a round mass that appears soft and rubbery to the touch. The subcutaneous lipomas can only be moved with a slight pressure. Usually they are not painful, with some exceptions such as angiolipoma.
Since lipomas are benign tumors, their surgical excision depends on the pain and the aesthetic damage they represent. If you choose not to undergo any treatment, it is very important to make regular visits to the doctor to monitor any tumor changes.

For further information or appointment, please contact our clinics in Beirut, Lebanon.