Understanding Lipoma in the Axillary Region - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

Understanding Lipoma in the Axillary Region

Lipomas are benign, or noncancerous, fat cell tumors that form lumps under the skin. They typically grow slowly and painlessly. Lipomas can form anywhere on the body, including in the axillary region under the arm. While axillary lipomas are usually harmless, it's important to monitor them for changes and have them evaluated by a doctor.

What Is Lipoma?

Lipomas are composed of mature fat cells that clump together to form a rubbery lump under the skin. They are the most common type of soft tissue tumor, occurring in 2-5% of the population. Lipomas can range from the size of a pea to several centimeters across. Some people only develop one lipoma, while others may develop many.

The cause of lipomas is unknown, but they appear to be hereditary in some cases. Lipomas tend to emerge in adulthood and middle age, usually appearing between the ages of 40 and 60. While lipomas can develop anywhere fat is stored, common locations include the back, neck, shoulders, abdomen, and axilla.

Lipomas in the Axillary Region

The axillary region refers to the armpit area. Lipomas sometimes emerge in the soft tissue under the arms due to fat deposits in this area. Axillary lipomas often develop near lymph nodes located under the arms. They may grow on the inside or superficial outer area of the armpit next to the skin.

Axillary lipomas are typically soft, round or oval-shaped lumps that slowly enlarge over time. In most cases, they remain small, ranging from 1-3 cm across. They are usually painless but can sometimes cause discomfort if they compress nerves or blood vessels under the arm.

Symptoms of Axillary Lipoma

The main symptom of an axillary lipoma is a soft, movable lump under the skin in the armpit area. Common signs and symptoms include:

• A rubbery or doughy lump beneath the skin
• A rounded or oval-shaped smooth mass
• A soft, pliable lump that moves easily when touched
• A painless mass that grows slowly over months or years
• Little to no discomfort unless the lipoma is large
• A size ranging from a pea to a few centimeters across
• Slow enlargement of the lump over time
• The ability to move the mass around with fingers
• A texture similar to normal fatty tissue

One type of lipoma known as angiolipoma is painful because it contains blood vessels and may be tender. Lipomas that develop between nerves or compress vital structures can also cause pain.

Causes and Risk Factors

Medical experts are uncertain what triggers lipomas to develop. They appear to occur randomly with no known cause in most cases. However, certain factors seem to increase the risk for lipomas including:

• Genetics - Studies show lipomas tend to run in families, suggesting a possible hereditary component.
• Injury - Local trauma may trigger lipomas in some cases, though this link hasn't been proven.
• Obesity - Gaining weight can encourage lipoma growth due to increased fat cells.
• Age - Lipomas typically appear between ages 40 and 60.
• Chromosomal abnormalities - Rare rearrangements in chromosomes 12 and 6 have been associated with lipomas.

Axillary lipomas do not seem to be associated with any specific actions like shaving or deodorant use. There are no preventable risk factors, and lipomas emerge spontaneously in most cases.

Diagnosing Axillary Lipomas

Axillary lumps should always be evaluated by a doctor to confirm that they are benign lipomas and not a more serious condition. Your physician will examine the lump and may order tests to determine the cause, including:

• Medical history - Your doctor will ask when you first noticed the lump, if it changes in size, and whether it's painful.
• Physical exam - Palpating the lump allows the doctor to assess the size, shape, texture, and mobility of the mass.
• Imaging tests - If the diagnosis is uncertain, an MRI or CT scan can help differentiate lipomas from lymph nodes, cysts or other growths.
• Biopsy - A small sample of the lump can be taken with a needle and analyzed if cancer is suspected.

These tests help confirm that an axillary growth is a benign lipoma and rule out potential cancerous conditions like lymphoma. Once your doctor diagnoses a lipoma, they will likely suggest leaving it alone if it's small and not bothersome.

Treating Axillary Lipomas

Axillary lipomas are harmless in most cases, so treatment isn't necessary unless the lump is growing rapidly, painful, or interfering with mobility:

• Observation - Small, painless lipomas can simply be observed at routine checkups to monitor growth.
• Medication - Drugs like liposomal bismuth-213 can shrink lipomas but have potential side effects.
• Steroid injections - Injecting steroids may help shrink lipomas but results are often temporary.
• Surgery - Surgical removal is an option for large, painful, or bothersome lipomas interfering with arm movement.
• Liposuction - This suctions out fatty lipoma tissue through a small incision.
• Laser therapy - Lasers can destroy lipomas but may cause scarring.

Talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for your individual situation if an axillary lipoma requires intervention.

Preventing Axillary Lipomas

There is no known way to prevent axillary lipomas, as they emerge spontaneously in most cases. Individuals can lower their risk by maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding obesity, which is linked to increased lipoma growth. Checking the axillary regions during skin self-exams may help identify lipomas early. See your physician if you notice any unusual lumps or growths under your arms.

When to See a Doctor

You should make an appointment with your physician if you notice a new lump in your armpit. A doctor should assess any armpit masses to rule out potential medical issues. Seek prompt medical care if an axillary lipoma:

• Rapidly enlarges
• Changes texture or becomes firm/hard
• Feels fixed rather than movable
• Becomes tender, painful, or inflamed
• Causes numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
• Restricts arm mobility
• Develops any unusual skin changes like ulceration

While most axillary lipomas are noncancerous, malignant fatty tumors like liposarcomas can occasionally occur. Any suspicious changes could indicate a serious medical problem needing evaluation.

Lipoma Outlook and Prognosis

The prognosis for axillary lipomas is generally excellent. Lipomas are almost always benign and do not transform into cancer. They typically grow slowly and rarely reach an excessive size. Surgical removal can eliminate the lump if needed with minimal scarring.

However, larger lipomas that compress nerves may cause permanent nerve damage even after removal. Malignant transformation of a lipoma is extremely rare but requires aggressive treatment if it occurs. Talk to your doctor about any concerns regarding the prognosis of an axillary lipoma.

Conclusion

Lipomas under the arm are common, harmless fat cell tumors in most cases. See a physician promptly if you notice a new lump in your armpit so they can diagnose the cause. Treatment for axillary lipomas is only necessary if the lump grows large, presses on nerves, or limits arm mobility. Your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment options. Stay vigilant for any unusual changes and request prompt medical care if you have any concerns.

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.