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Q: What is a Lipoma?

What exactly is lipoma? Should I be worried if I have one?

lipoma worried

Answers (26) i

A: What is a Lipoma?
5

Lipomas are subcutaneous fatty growths that are benign. Patients typically want them
removed because they are unsightly or by pressing on nerves are uncomfortable. They
typically start small and gradually enlarge to as much as 5-10 cm in diameter over a period of
years.

There are genetic and familial aspects to lipomas. The large, rubbery lipomas are usually
solitary. 60% are SHOW MORE

Learn more: http://www.enhanced-you.com/bodycontouring/smart-lipo/smartlipo-mpx-removal-of-lipom…

 Robert M. Lowen, MD
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A: Lipoma?
2

Lipomas are the most common benign tumor; they are composed of adipose tissue.
Sometimes these soft, usually mobile masses can grow in size and become an aesthetic or
functional concern.

Malignant transformation of lipomas into liposarcomas it's extremely rare ( and

controversial).

Generally, I recommend excision to allow for pathologic evaluation (which is the SHOW MORE

Learn more: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/

 Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS
1,728 reviews

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www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

A: Lipoma
2

lipomas are benign fatty tumors. they come in varying size and can sometimes cause
dramatic symptoms. i have removed them from the size of a football on down to the size of a
pea. some can be symptomatic and can grow in size. i once had one cause impengement on
the radial nerve in the wrist and caused posterior interosseus syndrome.

Timothy Mountcastle, MD
30 reviews
www.MountcastlePlasticSurgery.com

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A: Lipomas: benign fatty tumors

2

Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that are exceedingly common. We are insulated with fat
beneath our skin over the entire surface of our bodies. Therefore, it's not surprising that a
maverick fat cell will start growing unchecked. Fortunately, lipoma removal is usually
straightforward and can be performed under local anesthesia. We also have laughing gas
available.

Ronald Friedman, MD

A: Lipomas are benign growths of fatty tissue.

1

Lipomas are benign growths originating from fat cells. It is very rare for a lipoma to change
from benign to malignant.

Lipomas can occur on any body part that has a fat layer. Common locations include the
extremities, trunk, back, abdomen and even the forehead.

Most lipomas cause no symptoms although as they grow they can become somewhat
symptomatic as they stretch the overlying skin or SHOW MORE
 Robert S. Backstein, MD
12 reviews
www.drskinsurgery.com

A: Lipoma
1

A lipoma is a fatty tumor that is generally benign and does not cause harm. It can be
removed surgically for pathologic diagnosis as well as to improve symptoms. Good luck!

Priti P. Patel, MD

TOP CONTRIBUTOR

A: Benign fatty growth

1

Hi,

A lipoma is a benign fatty growth. In certain areas, they can cause cosmetic concerns or
pain, but if you don't have symptoms, you don't need surgery to remove the lipoma.

Mehdi Sina, MD

Mehdi Sina, MD

TOP CONTRIBUTOR

A: What is a lipoma?
1
A lipoma is a collection of fat (adipose) cells that form into a mass or lump under the skin.
These can at times be tender or painful, and often tend to enlarge or grow over time. In
almost all cases, they are a benign growth, with a malignant lipoma, known as a liposarcoma,
being an extremely rare entity.

Learn more: http://www.txfaces.com/facial-cosmetic-procedures-dallas/plastic-surgery/

Matthew Richardson, MD
40 reviews

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www.txfaces.com

A: What is a lipoma
1

Lipomas are benign , ie. not cancerous, growths of fat that are encapsulated. They are
painless and slow growing. Very rarely or uncommonly could it be a liposarcoma which is the
malignant/ cancerous counterpoint. This cannot be diagnosed based on imaging or physical
exam, and would require tissue diagnosis. However, it is a fairly rare entity so as long as it is
slow growing and not SHOW MORE

Sapna A. Patel, MD
11 reviews

TOP CONTRIBUTOR

A: Lipomas
1

Lipomas are, in plain English, tumors consisting of adipose, or fatty, tissue. They can be
familial and some people have lipomatosis, a condition in which they form multiple such
masses on an ongoing basis. The treatment is excision. I recommend this because they will
grow and become more dikcult to manage, with longer scarring, and there is a risk of
 malignant degeneration in larger tumors.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS

54 reviews

TOP CONTRIBUTOR

kraftplasticsurgery.com

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive
from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a
patient/doctor relationship.

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