LIPOMA
What is a lipoma?
A lipoma is a benign growth consisting of fatty tissue cells. They may have a hard core or be filled with fluid. Of shape, they are round or oval, with or without outliers. These subcutaneous lumps can vary in size from a few millimetres to centimetres in size. They are harmless.
Lipomas can occur anywhere in the body where there are fat cells. The most common places are the armpits, thighs, forearms, neck and trunk. Everyone usually has some lipomas of which they are unaware. These are often too small or inconspicuous to be noticed.
When multiple lipomas are present and, in addition, they are also painful, it is possible that Dercum disease is present.
When will you benefit from treating your lipoma?
Sometimes a lipoma is suspected of being malignant (liposarcoma). Then it is necessary to remove it immediately. A thorough examination of lipomas is also done if there is a possibility of Dercum’s disease.
Usually, they are benign and no treatment is needed. People sometimes have a benign lipoma removed because it bothers them, e.g. because it is under their clothes, or because it starts to look unsightly.
Beforehand, the lipoma is thoroughly examined. If there is any suspicion that it is a malignant lipoma, immediate precautions are taken. Your skin type is also examined with its specific sensitivities. Based on this, the most appropriate treatment is chosen to remove the lipoma. Usually, this is removal by making an incision and suturing it afterwards.
Most lipomas are excised under local anaesthesia. Large lipomas or lipomas that are in hard-to-reach locations are very exceptionally removed under anaesthesia. However, large lipomas can often be removed by applying lipolysis.
After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort but after a few days you will not feel anything. In case of doubt about the nature of the lipoma, it will be sent to a laboratory. You will then be told the results after a week.