Fatty Lipoma Pictures, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Introduction

Lipomas are extremely common benign tumors that form from fat cells under the skin. These rubbery lumps are usually harmless and often go unnoticed. However, in some cases lipomas can grow quite large and may require removal for cosmetic or symptomatic reasons. Understanding what fatty lipomas look like can help identify these benign growths.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover fatty lipoma pictures to aid in visual identification. Well also discuss lipoma causes, typical locations, associated symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and prevention tips. Recognizing the appearance of a lipoma is the first step toward determining if removal or other treatment is recommended.

What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign tumor made up of mature fat cells, or adipocytes. They form lump-like growths right underneath the skin, typically on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms and legs. Lipomas are not cancerous and do not usually cause any discomfort.

These rubbery nodules grow gradually over time, often to diameters of 1-3 cm. In rare cases, lipomas can enlarge significantly and reach sizes over 10 cm. Giant lipomas greater than 10 cm are quite uncommon though, found in less than 1% of cases.

Lipomas tend to feel doughy or spongy to the touch and may change in size or shape when pressure is applied. They easily move around under the skin and are not fixed to deeper tissues. The overlying skin generally appears normal with no redness or changes.

What Do Lipomas Look Like?

Getting to know the visual characteristics of a fatty lipoma can help you identify one. Here are the key things to look for:

Location

Lipomas most often occur on the:

• Neck and upper back
• Shoulders and armpit area
• Abdomen and torso
• Upper arms and forearms
• Thighs, buttocks, and calves

Size

Typical lipoma sizes include:

• 1-3 cm diameter
• 3-5 cm diameter
• 5-10 cm diameter (giant lipoma)

Shape

The shape can vary depending on location but often appears as:

• Oval or round
• Dome-shaped
• Flabby or irregular

Surface

The lipoma lump generally has a:

• Smooth surface
• Soft, doughy feel
• Rubbery, movable texture

Skin Appearance

The skin overlying a lipoma looks:

• Normal colored
• Unaltered texture
• No thickening or dimpling
• Not red, inflamed or irritated

Number

Lipomas often occur as:

• Solitary lumps
• Multiple smaller nodules
• Clusters or strings

Fatty Lipoma Pictures

Seeing images of actual fatty lipomas can help you identify them visually. Here are photos illustrating typical lipoma characteristics:

Location

Neck:

Shoulder:

Back:

Abdomen:

Arm:

Thigh:

Size

Small (1-2 cm):

Medium (3-5 cm):

Large (6-10 cm):

Shape

Round:

Oval:

Irregular:

Surface

Smooth:

Lobulated:

Skin Appearance

Normal overlying skin:

Number

Solitary:

Multiple:

What Causes a Lipoma?

Doctors are uncertain what triggers fat cells to proliferate into a lipoma tumor. There are no known direct risk factors. However, potential lipoma causes may include:

• Genetics - studies show inherited genetic changes can predispose some people to developing lipomas
• Injury - lipomas may form as part of the healing process after blunt trauma to soft tissues
• Chronic irritation - constant friction to an area may trigger lipoma growth
• Obesity - being overweight does not cause lipomas but can make them more noticeable
• Hormonal influences - lipoma growth may increase during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause

Keep in mind lipomas are benign tumors, not cancerous growths. They do not spread or increase your risk for other cancers. Multiple lipomas may run in families, but having one does not mean more will necessarily develop.

Lipoma Symptoms

Most lipomas cause no signs or symptoms. The majority go unnoticed until the lump is found incidentally by touch or sight. When lipomas do cause symptoms, they may include:

• Visible lump - visual detection of a fatty mass under the skin
• Size increase - gradual enlargement of the lipoma over time
• Heaviness - sensation of weight in the area of the lipoma
• Discomfort - mild ache or pain if compressed or irritated
• Restricted motion - decreased range of motion if lipoma is large or in joint area
• Numbness or tingling - if lipoma is pressing on adjacent nerves

Rarely, some benign lipomas can transform into a liposarcoma, which is a malignant fatty tumor. See your doctor about any lipoma with worrisome features like ulceration, bleeding, rapid enlargement, or extreme pain.

Diagnosing a Lipoma

Doctors use a combination of the following methods to diagnose a lipoma:

Physical Exam

Your physician will assess the skin lump by looking, feeling, and moving it around. Characteristics like texture, mobility, firmness and tenderness provide clues it is a benign fatty lipoma.

Medical History

Information about risk factors, location, rate of growth and associated symptoms helps determine likelihood of a lipoma. Knowing if similar lumps run in your family is also useful.

Imaging Tests

If the diagnosis is unclear, tests like ultrasound, CT scan or MRI can be done. They will show a lipoma has uniform fatty tissue and a thin capsule separating it from surrounding areas.

Biopsy

In rare uncertain cases, a small sample may be taken from the lump for microscopic examination. This can definitively identify if it is composed of benign fat cells or another type of tissue.

Lipoma Treatment

Lipomas typically dont require any treatment. But if the lump is large, irritating or concerning, options include:

Observation

Small, asymptomatic lipomas can simply be monitored at routine medical exams. No specific follow up is required for benign fatty tumors.

Medication

Drugs like steroids or enzyme inhibitors may help shrink some lipomas, but results are often temporary with regrowth.

Compression

Wearing tight garments can slow lipoma growth. But compression does not make them disappear.

Injections

Steroid injections directly into the lipoma may reduce size. However, results are often short-term and multiple treatments are needed.

Surgery

Surgical removal is recommended if a lipoma becomes very large, symptomatic, or shows signs of possible malignancy. Standard excision completely cuts out the fatty tumor.

Liposuction is another option that sucks out the lipoma through a small incision. Recurrence after surgical removal is uncommon.

Alternative Medicine

Some alternative therapies like acupuncture claim to diminish lipomas, but no quality evidence exists to support their efficacy.

Preventing Lipomas

There are no proven ways to prevent lipomas since the cause remains unclear. But the following healthy lifestyle measures may help lower your changes of developing benign fatty tumors:

• Maintain normal body weight
• Limit trauma and injuries
• Moisturize skin to prevent dryness and irritation
• Wear loose clothing in areas prone to lipomas
• Get lumps evaluated promptly to rule out rare malignancy

While annoying bumps, most lipomas are harmless and require no intervention. But its still wise to point out any new lumps at your regular skin checks and wellness exams. Becoming familiar with the look of a typical fatty lipoma can help provide reassurance.

The Takeaway

Fatty lipomas are common benign tumors of fat cells that form lump-like masses under the skin. They have a characteristic appearance in terms of location, size, shape and skin surface. Reviewing fatty lipoma pictures helps identify these ubiquitous but generally harmless lumps.

Most lipomas cause no symptoms and can just be observed. But surgical removal may be recommended if they become very large, painful or show concerning features. There is no way to prevent lipomas, but promptly reporting any new soft tissue masses to your doctor is advised.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.