Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist
LipomaA soft fatty lump under the skin.
A lipoma, commonly called a fatty lump, is a benign swelling of fat cells just under the skin. It feels soft and supple, moves easily and grows slowly. Lipomas are common, especially on the neck, shoulders, back, arms and thighs, and are almost always harmless. Treatment is only needed if the lump bothers you, hurts or if there is doubt about what it is.
What is a lipoma?
A lipoma feels like a soft, smooth, supple lump that lies just under the skin and moves along when you push on it; it sits loosely in the tissue and is not attached to the skin above it. The size varies from a few millimetres to more than ten centimetres, and you can have one or several. Preferred sites are the neck, the shoulders, the back, the upper arms and the thighs. A lipoma usually does not hurt; only when it presses on a nerve or against surrounding tissue can it be tender.
A lipoma and a sebaceous cyst are often confused. Rule of thumb: a lipoma lies deeper, feels soft and has no opening; a sebaceous cyst is attached to the skin above it and often has a small dark dot in the middle.
How does a lipoma develop?
Why a lipoma develops is not precisely known. An inherited tendency often plays a role: those with family members who have fatty lumps get them more often themselves, sometimes several at once. Lipomas are somewhat more common in women, and excess weight plays no role; slim people get them too. A lipoma is not the result of an unhealthy lifestyle and you cannot prevent it from forming.
What can you do yourself?
A lipoma that causes no trouble can simply stay; it is a benign lump that can do no harm. Self-care does not make a lipoma disappear: there is no cream or exercise that dissolves the fatty tissue. Keep an eye on the lump and watch for changes in size, shape or feel. Squeezing or massaging is pointless and not advised.
When to see a dermatologist or doctor?
Have a lump assessed if you are not sure it is a lipoma, if it hurts, or if it bothers you because of its size or location. The doctor usually recognises a lipoma by feeling it; in case of doubt or with a larger swelling, an ultrasound or a small tissue examination can follow. If the lump bothers you, it can be removed under local anaesthesia through a small incision, taking out the lipoma in its entirety. Removed lipomas rarely return.
Please note
A lump that grows quickly, feels hard, is fixed to the deeper layers or hurts does not fit an ordinary lipoma. Always have such a lump assessed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lipoma dangerous?
Almost never. A lipoma is a benign fatty lump that rarely or never turns malignant. It is still wise to have a lump assessed if you are unsure what it is, especially if it grows quickly or feels hard.
How do I know whether it is a lipoma or a sebaceous cyst?
A lipoma lies deeper, feels soft and supple and has no opening to the skin. A sebaceous cyst is attached to the skin above it, often has a small dark dot in the middle, and can become inflamed. A doctor usually feels the difference immediately; in case of doubt an ultrasound gives certainty.
Does a lipoma go away by itself?
No. A lipoma does not disappear by itself and does not shrink through creams, weight loss or massage. If you want it gone, a minor procedure is the only way. If the lump causes no symptoms, leaving it is a perfectly good choice.
How is a lipoma removed?
With a minor procedure under local anaesthesia: through an incision the lipoma is removed in its entirety, after which the wound is stitched. It is usually done as an outpatient procedure. A small scar remains and the lump rarely returns.
When should you see a doctor about a fatty lump?
If you are unsure whether it is a lipoma, if the lump hurts, grows quickly, feels hard or is fixed to the deeper layers, or if it bothers you. A dermatologist can assess whether it is a harmless lipoma and discuss with you whether removal is worthwhile.
Sources and more information
- Vetknobbel of vetbult verwijderen (maasziekenhuispantein.nl)
- Ik heb een talgklier-cyste (thuisarts.nl)