Signs and Symptoms of Lipoma

A lipoma is a benign (noncancerous) tumor made up of fat tissue cells. Lipomas are usually located just under the skin but can develop anywhere in the body. They often feel soft and can be easily moved under the skin. Lipomas are rarely painful or tender. They usually grow slowly over time and often do not require treatment. 

In general, it can be difficult to tell if a lump is malignant (cancerous) or benign, especially to the untrained eye. Although lipoma symptoms vary depending on how big the growth is and where it is located, they present with some symptoms that are unique from cancerous lumps.

Painless

A lipoma is usually painless and should not feel tender to the touch. Rarely, a lipoma can grow large enough that it presses on a nerve or organ, leading to pain. It is also possible for a lipoma to press on your bowels, causing a blockage.

An exception to this is a condition called Dercum's disease, which is also called adiposis dolorosa or Anders’ syndrome. It causes multiple, painful lipomas to grow around your body. In people with Dercum's, the lipomas usually grow on the trunk or the upper arms or legs.

If a lipoma grows so large that it restricts movement or causes pain, see your healthcare provider.

Soft

Lipomas are soft tumors that can be easily moved with your finger. They usually have a uniformly round or oval shape. Most lipomas are the same color as your skin. 

Lipomas tend to feel soft and doughy. If you have a lump that feels firm to the touch, see your healthcare provider for an evaluation. 

Location

Lipomas can occur anywhere in the body but most commonly form in the subcutaneous tissue. Subcutaneous tissue is the fat tissue located right under your skin. Rarely, a lipoma can grow deeper in the muscle or fascia tissue. 

Lipomas most often appear on the trunk or upper extremities. They usually form as a single growth, but it is possible to develop several lipomas at once.

This is different from cancerous lumps, which usually grow further into your body. It is generally much more difficult to feel a cancerous lump of a similar size.

Slow Growth

Lipomas are benign tumors that usually grow slowly over time. These nodules are usually between 1 and 10 centimeters in diameter but may grow bigger. 

Fast-growing or large lipomas may be a sign of a serious health problem and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider right away. They will likely recommend a biopsy—a procedure that removes a sample of cells or tissue to examine—to determine the cause of the tumor.

Shape

Unlike many cancerous lumps, lipomas are usually circular or oval-shaped and are typically less than 4 inches (10 centimeters) in diameter, although they can be larger. Cancerous lumps are usually irregularly shaped—they are often angular, bumpy, and/or asymmetrical.

Symptoms in Children

Lipomas are rare in children. However, there is a condition called angiolipoma that typically affects adolescents and young adults. People with angiolipoma develop multiple benign lesions in the fat tissue. The nodules are small—usually between 0.5 and 2 centimeters—and are located in the forearms or chest wall. The growths closely resemble lipomas but feel different. They are usually painful and very tender to the touch. 

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider 

Most lipomas are small, painless, and benign. They often do not cause any health problems and do not require treatment. 

Contact your healthcare provider if you have a lump that is:

• Painful
• Tender to the touch
• Growing quickly 
• Restricting your movement
• Firm or hard
• Forming deep into the muscle tissue 

Lipoma treatment usually involves removing the growth surgically. Once removed, most lipomas do not grow back.

A Quick Review 

A lipoma is a benign tumor that is made up of fat tissue cells. Lipomas are usually small and painless. They often develop in the subcutaneous tissue just below the skin. Rarely, lipomas can develop deeper into the muscles or other areas of the body. 

A lipoma is soft to the touch and may feel doughy. It should never feel firm or hard. Lipomas can easily be pushed or moved under the skin with your finger. They usually develop in the upper part of the body. 

Lipomas tend to grow slowly over time and usually do not require treatment. If your lipoma is painful, large, firm, or causing any problems, see your healthcare provider.