IDEA Clinic
What is Lipoma?
The painless swelling of the fat tissues found in all parts of our body except the scalp is called the sebaceous gland (Lipoma). Lipomas can also be described as benign tumors.
Lipomas are adipose tissues. It is found under the skin. It has a soft structure that can be moved. It is movable because it is surrounded by a self-contained capsule. They move when pressed, but no crushing or collapse.
Some lipomas are up to lentils. Some as orange. Some lipomas tend to grow. Some of them do not grow over time. It remains the same size.
Why Does Lipoma Occur? What are the Symptoms?
The factors that cause adipose tissue to collect under the skin are not known. However, experts believe that it may occur due to genetic factors or may occur due to trauma.
There are scientific studies that cause excessive alcohol consumption and obesity caused by lipomas.
Where Does a Lipoma Develop?
It is most commonly seen in the neck, shoulder and back. They can excit individually or more than one. Single is called lipoma and multiple is called lipomatosis.
Lipoma approximately appears in 1% of the population that has been determined by research. However, it is estimated that the rate is more than 1% because many patients find it unimportant and do not consult a doctor. (1)
(1) Charifa, A., & Badri, T. (2018). Lipomas, pathology. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/nbk482343/
Do Lipomas Cause Pain?
It is not a structural discomfort. However, it may cause pain if it occurs in an area with nerve endings. In addition, those who tend to grow may cause discomfort as they grow due to their position.
In Which Gender Can Exist?
Lipomas are common in both sexes. It is thought to be more common in individuals aged 20-40 years.
How is it Diagnosed?
For the diagnosis, the examination performed by the specialist doctor is usually sufficient. At this point, listening to patients is also important. Lipomas are structurally harmless and painless. However, if the patient complains of pain, additional examination and investigation may be needed.
Biopsy of painful lipomas can be clearly determined whether there is cancer. The type of fat glands that are at risk of cancer is called liposarcom.
Liposarcoma is a rare species. In a study in which the incidence was observed, the incidence was found to be 0.5%. (2)
(2) Zafar, R., & Wheeler, Y. (2019). Cancer, Liposarcoma. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/nbk538265/
Lipoma diagnosis and treatment can be performed by general surgical specialists and dermatologists. Patients wishing to get rid of the oil glands should apply to these branches.
Should Lipoma Be Treated?
They are generally harmless adipose tissues. It is not necessary for health to be taken in cases where there is no risk of intensification. However, there is no harm in taking aesthetically uncomfortable ones.
It is recommended to take in particular those which tend to grow and those which cause physical and visual discomfort.
How To Treat It?
Lipomas are removed from the body by incision. However, surgery is not an operation to be fearing, it is a small-scale application.
Local anesthesia is sufficient to remove the lipoma from the body. There is also no need to open a large incision. a small incision is made according to the size of the netting. Due to the small incision, the risk of scarring is minimized. Closing the incision with an aesthetic and concealed suture also prevents an undesirable visual result.
Thanks to its small scale application, it does not prevent the patient from daily life. The patient may return to work and social life on the same day. No additional treatment is required after treatment. Only the first day after treatment, contact with water should be prevented. days later taking a bath can be possible.
Does Lipoma Cause Cancer?
There is information circulating among the population that lipomas will become cancerous. This is not medically accurate information. So it can’t be sure that growing lipomas become cancerous.
Cancerous lipomas are painful. Even if they have cancer, it is not risky. Tissue removal is sufficient for treatment.
Although the sebaceous gland tends to grow, it does not mean that it will always grow. Growth does not mean cancer. Lipomas are benign structures. Malignant and painful tissues under the skin called liposarcoma. Although it is malignant, it is not lethal. It is sufficient to remove the tissue from the body.