What is Lipoma?

A lipoma is a slow growing, fatty lump that is situated between your skin and the underlying muscle layer. A lipoma, which feels doughy and usually isn’t tender, moves readily with finger pressure. Lipomas are usually detected in middle aged adulats males and females and some people may have more than one lipoma.

A lipoma isn’t cancerous and is usually harmless. Treatment isn’t necessary in most cases, but if the lipoma, is painful or is growing, you may want to have it removed.

Symptoms

Lipomas can occur anywhere in the body. They are typically:

• Situated just under the skin. They commonly occur in the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms and thighs.
• Soft and doughy to the touch. They also move easily with slight finger pressure.
• Generally small. Lipomas are typically less than 2 inches in diameter, but they can grow larger.
• Sometimes painful. Lipomas can be painful if they grow and press on nearby nerves.