Understanding Lipoma on the Shoulder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Understanding Lipoma on the Shoulder

Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumors made up of mature fat cells. They commonly occur as solitary growths underneath the skin and are typically small, movable, and painless. While lipomas can develop anywhere on the body, the shoulder is one of the more frequent sites where they appear.

Lipomas on the shoulder tend to form just under the skin, on top of the muscle and tissue. They emerge as soft, doughy lumps that move easily when prodded. Lipomas on the shoulder are usually not harmful or dangerous. However, any new lump or bump on the body warrants an examination by a doctor.

Symptoms of Lipoma on the Shoulder

The main symptom of a lipoma on the shoulder is a soft, movable lump under the skin. Common signs and symptoms include:

• A smooth, doughy or rubbery bump under the skin
• Able to move the lump around with gentle prodding
• Round, dome-shaped bump
• Growth in size occurs slowly over months or years
• Typically small, commonly less than 2 inches (5 cm)
• Usually does not cause pain
• Often grows on the back, shoulders, neck, torso, arms, and thighs
• Might feel like a fatty mass buried beneath the skin

Causes and Risk Factors

Doctors are not entirely sure what triggers lipomas to develop, but contributing factors likely include:

• Genetics - some people may inherit a tendency to develop lipomas
• Injury or trauma - damage to soft tissue may trigger a lipoma
• Body type - gain weight easily or have excess body fat
• Hormonal influence - lipomas may emerge at puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
• Chronic conditions - associated with diseases like diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, epilepsy, and certain autoimmune disorders

When to See a Doctor

Most lipomas are benign and do not require treatment. However, it is important to have any new lump or bump examined by a doctor, especially those on the shoulder. Rarely, a lipoma may turn out to be a more serious type of tumor like a liposarcoma.

See a physician promptly if the shoulder lump:

• Appears suddenly and grows quickly
• Is larger than 2 inches (5 cm) across
• Feels firm, hard, or immobile
• Is painful or tender to the touch
• Causes numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm
• Restricts shoulder movement
• Gets injured and does not heal normally

Skin changes like ulceration, bleeding, or discoloration around the lump also warrant medical evaluation. Schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or dermatologist for proper identification.

Diagnosing a Lipoma on the Shoulder

To diagnose a lipoma on the shoulder, the doctor will:

• Perform a physical exam of the lump, feeling for size, texture, mobility, and tenderness
• Evaluate medical history, including previous lipomas or other skin growths
• Ask about any pain, numbness, or discomfort near the lump
• Review rate of growth and changes over time
• Check other areas of the body for additional lipomas
• Order diagnostic testing like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize soft tissue growths
• Perform a fine needle aspiration or biopsy to extract cells for examination

Once the physician has determined it is a benign lipoma, no further testing is typically needed. If the diagnosis is unclear, additional evaluation may be recommended.

Lipoma Treatment and Removal

Most lipomas do not require treatment since they are benign growths that rarely cause problems. Lipomas that appear on the shoulders are often left alone unless they become bothersome. Treatment may be considered if the lipoma:

• Becomes painful or tender
• Grows larger than 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) across
• Restricts movement or impedes clothing
• Causes distress due to cosmetic appearance
• Gets repeatedly injured or irritated
• Presses on nerves or tissues causing symptoms

The most common treatment options include:

• Liposuction - Using a suction device to remove the fatty tumor through a small incision. Minimal scarring but risk of recurrence.
• Excisional surgery - Cutting out the lipoma through an incision. Lower recurrence rate but increased scarring.
• Steroid injections - Injecting steroids into the tumor to shrink its size. Temporary reduction andhigher recurrence rate.

Discuss the pros and cons of each option with a surgeon to select the appropriate technique. Plan to avoid strenuous shoulder activity during recovery.

Preventing Lipomas

There is no definitive way to prevent lipomas since the exact cause remains unknown. Steps that may help lower risk include:

• Achieve or maintain a healthy body weight
• Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants
• Exercise regularly to reduce excess body fat
• Avoid sustaining repetitive injuries to the shoulders
• Keep the skin moisturized to avoid dryness and irritation
• Wear properly fitted protective gear during contact sports
• See a doctor promptly for any unusual lumps or bumps

While lipomas cannot always be avoided, these measures can help promote skin health and allow for early diagnosis.

Outlook for Lipomas on the Shoulder

The prognosis for a lipoma on the shoulder is generally excellent. Lipomas are commonly harmless, painless, and non-cancerous. They typically grow slowly and rarely reach an extensive size.

Lipomas tend to only require removal if they become problematic due to size, symptoms, or appearance. Recurrence is possible after treatment, especially with techniques like liposuction. Multiple treatments may be necessary in some cases.

Rare forms of shoulder lipomas like spindle cell lipomas and pleomorphic lipomas may have slightly different outlooks. Discuss the specifics of a lipoma diagnosis with a doctor.

With the proper identification and management, most people can expect lipomas on their shoulders to remain benign. Monitor any lipomas closely and consult a physician promptly about any changes or concerns.

While often harmless, a lipoma on the shoulder deserves professional evaluation. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help manage this common benign tumor.

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.