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Many people are usually concerned when they discover a small lump under the skin.One potential diagnosis is lipoma.While it usually does not pose a serious health risk, there are circumstances in which it is necessary to remove it.In this article, we will discuss where a lipoma can be located, what factors are responsible for its development, what are the symptoms and types of lipomas, how it can be diagnosed, and what methods are available for the treatment and removal of lipomas.
Where can a lipoma be located?
Lipomas can occur in various places on the body, but are most often found under the skin.They may appear on the arms, back, stomach, thighs, and also on the neck.They can also occur deeper, e.g. in muscles or internal organs.
What factors are responsible for the development of lipoma?
The causes of lipoma formation are not fully understood, but there are several factors that may influence their development.One of them is heredity – if someone in the family has had a lipoma, there is a greater risk that it will appear in other family members.In addition, injuries, chronic inflammation and improper functioning of fatty tissues may promote the formation of lipomas.
What are the symptoms of lipoma?
In most cases, lipomas are asymptomatic.They may only be felt as a soft lump under the skin.However, in some situations they can cause pain or discomfort, especially when they grow around nerves or blood vessels.
What types of lipomas can be distinguished?
There are two main types of lipomas: subcutaneous lipomas and deep lipomas.Subcutaneous lipomas are located directly under the skin and are easily palpable.Deep lipomas, on the other hand, develop deeper, in muscles or internal organs.
What other lesions resemble a lipoma?
Although lipomas are the most common type of soft subcutaneous tumor, there are also other lesions that may resemble lipomas.These include liposarcoma, which is a malignant tumor and requires urgent treatment.Therefore, it is important to accurately diagnose any disturbing change under the skin.
Diagnosis of lipomas
Diagnosing a lipoma usually involves a physical examination as well as imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm that the lump is indeed a lipoma.
Treatment and removal of lipomas
In most cases, lipomas do not require treatment, especially if they are asymptomatic and do not cause problems.However, if the lump is painful, growing or there is a suspicion that it may be malignant, it must be removed.There are several methods for removing lipomas, including surgery, liposuction, and radiation treatment.
Methods of removing lipomas
Surgical removal of lipoma is the most frequently used method.It involves removing the lump entirely.Liposuction, on the other hand, allows the removal of a lipoma using a thin needle and a suction cup.Treatment with radiation may be necessary for deep lipomas.
Lipoma is harmless, but it is worth getting checked out!
Although a lipoma usually does not pose a serious health risk, it is always worth consulting a doctor if a lump appears under the skin.Your doctor will be able to carefully assess the lesion and decide whether it needs to be removed.Early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid complications and provide peace of mind for the patient.
Your suggestions
If you have any concerns about a lump under your skin, do not delay visiting your doctor.Remember that only a professional diagnosis can provide certainty about the type of change and the need for treatment.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about lipomas and other subcutaneous lesions, we recommend reading the articles on skin cancer and the diagnosis of subcutaneous nodules.It’s always worth being well informed about your health.