Publish date: Posted on
Last updated: September 5, 2023
Keywords #
lipoma
benign tumor of fat
Diagnosis #
Lipomas are benign tumors of mature adipocytes, or fat cells, that are one of the most common neoplasms found in humans. Lipomas are painless, soft, solitary nodules that occur within any fatty tissue, most commonly on the trunk, extremities, and buttocks. Treatment for lipomas is simple excision.[1]
Key Concepts #
- Lipomas are benign growths.
- They commonly present on the trunk, extremities, and buttocks between the fourth and sixth decades of life.
- Treatment is simple excision.
Epidemiology #
Lipomas can be seen at any age, but are mostly commonly seen between the fourth to sixth decades of life. There is an increased incidence in patients with obesity, diabetes, or elevated cholesterol. [2]
Clinical Features #
- Lipomas appear as small, soft or rubbery subcutaneous nodules with normal appearing overlying epidermis.
- They are commonly only a few centimeters in size but can sometimes grow to be more than 10 cm.
- Multiple lipomas may be seen in patients with familial multiple lipomatosis, Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, Gardner syndrome, and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia I.
Differential Diagnoses #
- Epidermoid cyst
- Ganglion cyst
- Angiolipoma
Diagnostic Workup #
The diagnosis of a lipoma is typically clinical. An ultrasound may be performed to differentiate from epidermal inclusion or ganglion cysts. After removal, specimens are commonly sent to pathology to confirm the diagnosis. No further work-up is necessary unless there is high suspicion for an underlying genetic syndrome.
Treatment #
Treatment is not necessary for lipomas as they are benign lesions. Lipomas are commonly removed for cosmetic appearance or if they are uncomfortable. Simple excision is the primary method of treatment for lipomas. Excision can commonly be performed with sterile procedure in the office. Larger lesions, including those on the back which may have deep penetration into the muscle, may be better served in an operating room under general anesthetic.[4]
References #
- Bolognia, Jean, et al.Dermatology.[ElectronicResource]. Fourth edition., Elsevier, 2018.EBSCOhost,
- Kang, Sewon, et al.Fitzpatrick’sDermatology.[ElectronicResource]. 9th ed., McGraw-Hill Education LLC., 2019.EBSCOhost,
- Bolognia, Jean.DermatologyEssentials.[ElectronicResource]. Saunders, 2014.EBSCOhost,
- Soutor, Carol, and Maria K. Hordinsky.ClinicalDermatology.[ElectronicResource]. 1st ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2013.EBSCOhost,
