Lipomas are non-cancerous fatty lumps that form beneath the skin. They can appear on any part of the body. Some people have a single lipoma, while others may have multiple lipomas in different areas. These lumps can vary in size, from as small as 1 cm to over 10 cm. They are usually located just above the muscle layer, although they can sometimes develop within the muscle itself.
Lipomas are usually not painful, but they can be uncomfortable if they press against a nerve or are near a joint. Many people with lipomas have no symptoms. These lumps are typically encapsulated, meaning they are confined to their area and do not spread to nearby tissues. Some lipomas can cause discomfort based on their size, location, or the presence of blood vessels. They are generally round or oval, symmetrical, and made of soft, rubbery tissue. Located just beneath the skin, lipomas can move when touched and are usually less than 2 inches in diameter, though they can occasionally grow larger than 6 inches.
Lipomas can appear anywhere on the body. While rare, they may occasionally develop on muscles or internal organs
Arms or legs
Back
Neck
Shoulders
Trunk (chest and torso)
Forehead
The exact cause of lipoma formation is not fully understood, but it can be inherited, making you more likely to develop one if a family member has had a lipoma. Certain conditions are associated with multiple lipomas:
Dercum’s disease is a rare condition that leads to painful lipomas, primarily on the arms, legs, and torso. It is also referred to as adiposis dolorosa or Anders’ syndrome. Gardner syndrome is a type of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) associated with lipomas and various other health issues. Hereditary multiple lipomatosis, also known as familial multiple lipomatosis, is a genetic disorder that results in multiple lipomas. Madelung’s disease, more frequently observed in men who drink excessively, causes lipomas to develop around the neck and shoulders and is also called multiple symmetric lipomatosis.
Doctors diagnose a lipoma by feeling the lump and checking for pain. To rule out cancer, a biopsy may be done. Since lipomas can be mistaken for cysts, imaging tests like ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans may be used to clarify the lump’s nature, location, depth, and whether it’s affecting nearby nerves or tissues.
All lipomas are made of fat. Some lipomas also contain blood vessels or other tissues. All lipomas are composed of fat, but some may also include blood vessels or other tissues.
Angiolipoma: Contains both fat and blood vessels and may be painful.
Conventional: The most common type, made of white fat cells that store energy.
Fibrolipoma: Comprises both fat and fibrous tissue.
Hibernoma: Contains brown fat, which helps produce heat and regulate body temperature, unlike most lipomas that contain white fat.
Myelolipoma: Includes both fat and tissues that generate blood cells.
Spindle cell: Features fat cells that are elongated rather than round.
Pleomorphic: Has fat cells of various sizes and shapes.
Lipomas usually do not require treatment. In cases where a lipoma is problematic, a doctor can perform a surgical removal, which is a safe and effective procedure allowing patients to return home on the same day. Another option may be liposuction, where fatty tissue is extracted from the lipoma using a thin needle.
Lipomas and several related conditions are inherited, so prevention is not possible.
Sebaceous cysts, also called epidermoid cysts, are the most common skin cysts. They form when a sebaceous gland, responsible for producing oil to naturally moisturize the skin, becomes blocked. As the cyst grows, it appears as a lump under the skin, typically with a visible opening, or punctum, on the surface.
Small sebaceous cysts usually don’t hurt, but larger ones can cause discomfort or pain, especially on the face and neck. These cysts often contain white keratin flakes, a protein found in skin and nails. Most sebaceous cysts are soft and typically appear on the scalp, face, neck, or back. A cyst may be considered unusual or possibly cancerous if it’s larger than 5 centimeters, returns quickly after removal, or shows signs of infection like redness, tenderness, or pus. If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important to see a doctor for further evaluation.
Sebaceous cysts come from sebaceous glands, which produce the oil that keeps your hair and skin smooth. These cysts can form when the gland or its duct gets blocked or hurt, often due to an injury in the area. This injury could be a scratch, a surgical cut, or a skin issue like acne. Sebaceous cysts usually grow slowly, so the injury might have happened weeks or even months before you notice the cyst. Sebaceous cysts may also form due to irregularly shaped ducts, cell damage during surgery, or genetic conditions like Gardner’s syndrome and basal cell nevus syndrome, which can increase the risk of cyst development.
Cysts can be treated by removing them surgically. Most cysts are removed more for cosmetic reasons than health issues, and you can select the treatment that works best for you. However, without surgery, cysts often come back. Surgery is the most reliable method for complete removal, though some may choose to avoid it due to potential scarring.
Sebaceous cysts are harmless lumps under the skin caused by blocked oil glands. To prevent them, keep your skin clean by washing with mild soap and using products that don't clog pores. Avoid picking at your skin or causing any damage, and use the right products to manage oily skin. Drinking plenty of water and treating any skin issues quickly can also help lower the risk.
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