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A lipoma is a type of fatty tissue lump that forms just beneath the skin. These growths are typically soft and elastic, moving easily when touched. Most lipomas are painless and generally do not pose health risks, so treatment is rarely necessary. However, the lump can be removed if it becomes bothersome.
By Able Health I Medically reviewed by Dr. Alireza Estedlal
Page last reviewed: February 2024 I Next review due: February 2026
A lipoma is an oval or round-shaped tissue mass that forms under the surface of the skin. It consists of fat, slides easily when touched, and is usually painless. While these growths can develop on any part of the body, they most commonly appear on the back, arms, torso (trunk), neck, and shoulders.
Lipomas are non-cancerous soft tissue tumours that grow gradually over time. Most cases do not require any treatment, but if they cause discomfort, they can be removed through a simple outpatient surgical procedure.
Lipomas are relatively common, occurring in nearly 1 out of every 1,000 people. Although they most often develop in individuals aged 40 to 60, they can appear at any age and occasionally exist from birth. Everyone, regardless of gender, can develop lipomas, but women are slightly more likely to be affected than men.
Most lipomas consist of fat, though some also contain blood vessels or other types of tissues. Common types of lipomas include:
Lipomas are generally painless, although they can cause discomfort if they press on a nerve or are located near a joint. Most people with a lipoma do not experience any symptoms. Common characteristics of these lumps under the skin include:
Lipomas can occur in any part of the body, though they rarely develop in the brain, internal organs, or muscles. While most people with lipomas have only one, some may develop multiple lipomas.
Lipomas commonly form just beneath the skin in the following areas:
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The exact causes of lipomas are not well understood. However, they are often hereditary, meaning they run in families. You are more likely to develop a lipoma if a family member has one. Certain conditions can also trigger the formation of multiple lipomas, including:
Lipomas are usually diagnosed during a physical examination. Your healthcare provider will feel the lump and ask if there is any pain or tenderness. To confirm the lump is a lipoma and not cancerous, a biopsy may be performed, where a small sample of the lump is analysed in a laboratory.
Lipomas are sometimes mistaken for cysts. Your doctor may recommend an imaging test, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, to get a clearer view of the lump. These imaging studies help distinguish between a lipoma and a cyst and also provide information about the lipoma’s location, depth, involvement of blood vessels, and whether it is pressing on nearby tissues or nerves.
In most cases, lipomas do not require treatment. However, if they cause discomfort or concern, your doctor can surgically remove them. These procedures are generally safe and effective, performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day.
Alternatively, your doctor might recommend liposuction to remove the lump. This procedure involves using a long, thin needle to extract the fatty tissue from the lipoma.
Lipomas and the conditions that contribute to their formation are genetic, so prevention is not possible. However, you can reduce the risk of developing Madelung’s disease (which is associated with lipomas) by limiting alcohol intake.
Most people with lipomas live with the condition without any issues. Treatment is typically unnecessary, but healthcare providers can remove the lumps if needed. Once a lipoma is removed, it rarely grows back in the same place, though new lipomas may form elsewhere on the body.
If you notice a growth, lump, or knot under your skin, it’s important to visit your healthcare provider to rule out serious conditions like liposarcoma, a type of cancer that can resemble lipomas.
If you already have a lipoma, see your doctor if it suddenly becomes painful, enlarges rapidly, feels hard, or becomes less moveable when touched. Your doctor will check if it contains blood vessels, which could indicate a rare, painful type of lipoma called an angiolipoma.
Many people live with lumps under their skin, which are often harmless. While lipomas can be unsightly or bothersome, they usually do not cause significant problems. Most lipomas do not require treatment, but if one becomes uncomfortable or you are concerned about its size or location, it’s best to contact your healthcare provider. Lipomas can often be safely removed during an outpatient procedure, and they rarely grow back afterwards.