Lipoma Causes, Symptoms & Common Removal Methods

Lipomas are soft and benign fatty lumps that sit beneath the skin and often feel smooth and movable, which can create concern even though they are usually harmless.

This article explains how lipomas form, what symptoms to look for, and which treatment options can support reassurance while keeping the focus on calm and simple guidance.

What Lipomas Are

Lipomas are slow growing non cancerous lumps that sit just beneath the skin and feel soft when gently pressed. They can appear on the upper body, arms or thighs and can also form elsewhere.

Most lipomas measure less than five centimetres although larger ones can occur and they remain the most common benign soft tissue tumours with a prevalence of up to 2% of the population [1,2].

How Lipomas Form

Lipomas consist of mature adipocytes which create their soft texture [3]. Their growth is usually slow and they remain painless unless they press on nearby nerves or structures.

Researchers continue to study why they form and current evidence highlights a combination of genetic influence and natural variation in soft tissue behaviour.

Cyst Vs Lipoma Differences

Cysts are closed sac like structures that contain fluid or debris and can become inflamed or infected. This can lead to discomfort, swelling or tenderness.

Lipomas differ because they consist only of fat cells and usually remain painless, and ganglion cysts contain fluid near joints which further separates them from fatty tissue lumps.

Lipoma Causes

Lipoma causes are not fully understood although genetics appear influential because they often run in families [6].

Certain conditions such as familial multiple lipomatosis can create a tendency to develop several lipomas [6]. Lipomas are more common in adults aged forty to sixty years [2,3].

Movable Lump Under The Skin

A movable lump under skin requires medical assessment so its nature can be confirmed. Doctors usually examine its size, mobility and texture before discussing next steps.

Ultrasound or MRI can support diagnosis and help rule out other causes [2,3]. Some deeper lumps may require a CT scan and lipomas usually present as painless mobile nodules that grow slowly [2].

When To Seek Medical Advice

A medical review is helpful if a lump grows quickly, becomes painful or changes in appearance because these features require assessment.

Monitoring any lump near blood vessels or in a sensitive area is also useful so professionals can guide safe management.

Lipoma Treatment Options

Most lipomas do not need treatment unless they cause discomfort or aesthetic concern. Lipoma surgery can remove symptomatic lumps and recurrence is rare when the excision is complete [3,4].

Your clinician may discuss options based on location, size and how the lump affects your daily comfort.

Minimally Invasive Techniques

Liposuction can remove fatty tissue through a thin tube and may help limit visible scarring. This method reduces size but may not remove the capsule fully.

Steroid injections can shrink a lipoma although they may not eliminate it entirely [3]. These approaches may suit selected cases depending on clinical advice.

Possible Complications

Complications following removal are uncommon although infection, scarring or haematoma formation can occur.

Reporting any swelling, redness or discomfort helps ensure timely follow up with a clinician.

Skin Concerns & Monderma

Although lipomas require assessment and sometimes surgical removal, other concerns such as acne, ageing skin, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea may respond to personalised topical care.

Monderma provides customised prescription skincare using ingredients such as adapalene, azelaic acid, clindamycin, hydroquinone, ivermectin, niacinamide, and tretinoin in a vegan base cream of hyaluronic acid and peptides.

GPhC registered prescribers review a short questionnaire to create a tailored monthly formula when appropriate and mild peeling or dryness may occur as the skin adjusts.

Conclusion

Lipomas are benign and movable lumps that form within soft tissue beneath the skin, and they usually remain harmless while growing slowly [2,3]. Professional assessment offers reassurance and helps clarify when treatment or monitoring may be useful.

If you would like tailored support for your skin, you can explore a personalised skincare formula through Monderma.

Content is for informational purposes only. Monderma treatments are prescribed following consultation. Results and timeframes can vary. Use as directed by your prescriber.

References

1. Kransdorf MJ. AJR American Journal of Roentgenology.
2. NHS. NHS Website.
3. Mitra A and Fitzpatrick J. StatPearls.
4. Salam GA. American Family Physician.
5. Aust MC et al. British Journal of Dermatology.
6. Gologorsky Y et al. Cutis.