Dorothy FarrarLipomas (bumps under the skin)
A lipoma is a strongly centered accumulation of subcutaneous fatty tissue, which is clearly visible as a nodule or, colloquially, as a lump under the skin . Lipomas can usually only be treated for cosmetic reasons, not for medical reasons; they cause no symptoms and are very rarely malignant. Lipomas mainly occur on the legs, arms and stomach and can be removed with a simple operation if the person concerned wishes to do so.
What are lipomas (bumps under the skin)?
Lipomas are benign growths of fatty tissue under the skin. The knots are either soft or elastic and vary greatly in size. For example, invisible tumors the size of a lentil can occur as well as clearly visible ones the size of a table tennis ball. The fatty tumors are surrounded by a thin layer of connective tissue that can be seen under the microscope.
The tumors are benign, only in extremely rare cases is the growth malignant (liposarcoma). Most commonly, lipomas form in people between the ages of 20 and 25; Lipomas grow very slowly, cause no discomfort and do not require medical treatment. The surgical removal of a lipoma can only be indicated from a cosmetic point of view.
causes
So far it is not known which causes play a role in the development of lipomas. According to the current state of research, however, it seems certain that the cause lies in the genes, i.e. the tendency to form lipomas is hereditary and therefore cannot be influenced.
When to the doctor?
In most cases, lipomas are nothing to worry about. A doctor rarely needs to be consulted for medical reasons. They are considered a cosmetic blemish and therefore can go without medical attention. If the person affected suffers from the lipomas, so that mental problems are already developing, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Psychological problems include severe withdrawal, personality changes, apathy , or shame. The emotional suffering can take on depressive or melancholic traits as it progresses. For this reason, a doctor should be consulted as soon as the person affected notices a significant reduction in their quality of life.
In many cases, the lipomas can be easily hidden under clothing or covered with makeup. If this causes further skin changes such as itching or redness , you should consult a doctor. There is an allergic reaction to the ingredients of the products that needs to be clarified.
If the lipomas increase significantly in size, a doctor should be consulted. This finds out the cause of the spread and initiates countermeasures. Lipomas very rarely take a malignant course. Therefore, if the growths under the skin last for a long time, if there are noticeable changes or if pain occurs, the symptoms should be clarified by a doctor.
diagnosis and course
Lipomas form slowly; Unless the nodules clearly appear as a growth under the skin, those affected do not notice the development. Since they usually appear on the upper arms, legs and abdomen and are therefore obvious, they do not cause any psychological problems.
In addition, lipomas are usually not painful. They only cause problems when – which is very rare – they are located so badly or are so large that they pinch a nerve . The affected person recognizes the benign nature of lipomas above all by the fact that the proliferation can be moved. The affected person recognizes this by moving the tumor back and forth with finger pressure – if this succeeds, the growth is very likely benign.
Those affected should still have lipomas clarified. A dermatologist can use an ultrasound examination or a puncture to determine with certainty whether a lipoma is benign or malignant, and he can also identify the exact location and size of the lipoma. Incidentally, lipomas – unless they are clearly visible – are often difficult to detect, even for doctors. This is because lipomas hardly differ from the rest of the fatty tissue and are therefore very difficult to identify.
complications
As a rule, lipomas are considered to be pure fatty tumors and are unproblematic in terms of their pathological value. In rare cases, the growth rate of the benign tumor increases massively and can thus provoke irritation and swelling in the affected skin area. Apart from that, there are primarily only aesthetic reasons for removal. Serious complications are not to be expected after a simple procedure. The tumor is hidden in the fatty tissue of the subcutaneous tissue and is therefore easily accessible. There is no contact with vital blood vessels or organs during the operation.
Direct consequences of removal are short-term swelling due to bruising or water retention in the affected area. Since an incision can lead to a deep wound, depending on its size, subsequent wound pain is unavoidable. These fade away after a short time. In some cases, however, slight numbness or discomfort remain on the surface of the skin due to damage to local nerve tracts.
The risk of permanent sensory disturbances depends on the location and severity of the tumor. Many fine nerve cords converge, especially in the facial area, which can be affected during surgical treatment. Serious inflammation is not to be expected after an operation, as long as the wound is thoroughly disinfected and cared for. If the excision of the lipoma is not thorough, there is a likelihood of a recurrence. The tumor then grows back in the same position.
treatment and therapy
Medical treatment is usually not necessary for lipomas. The growths are usually benign and cause no symptoms. Only if they pinch a nerve due to their position or size can the associated impairments lead to massive pain. If there is a suspicion that a lipoma is malignant – for example because it cannot be moved or is very hard – a dermatologist will first remove some tissue from the tumor using a small operation and examine it more closely. The tissue is examined under the microscope and examined cytologically in a laboratory. If the malignancy is confirmed, the tissue is first completely removed and the cancer treated afterwards.
However, many of those affected suffer psychologically from the growths – especially when the tumors appear in clearly visible areas such as forearms or face, they can have an immense impact on mental well-being. In such cases, removal of the tumor is indicated.
The dermatologist will cut open the tumor and remove the fatty tissue. Such an operation is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthetic and only takes a few minutes.
Depending on the size of the lipoma, the wound is stitched after removal, after a few days the thread is removed. Complications are not to be expected – the wounds usually heal well.
Of course, as with any operation, there is a risk of infection, but this is very rare. Whether scars remain depends primarily on the subsequent healing of the wound. Removing a lipoma does not prevent a new one from forming – a new lipoma (recurrence) often forms in the same place or in the immediate vicinity over a period of time.
outlook and prognosis
Since lipomas are benign fatty growths, they do not necessarily have to be treated or removed. They are usually completely harmless and only represent a cosmetic problem. Depending on the size of the lipoma and where it is located on the body, it can lead to mechanical irritation. Lipomas that sit near joints can interfere with movement and cause pain. In these cases, an operation makes sense.
Lipomas can also press on nerves and blood vessels , causing tingling or numbness in the affected area. Treatment is also useful here. Lipomas are usually clearly separated from the rest of the tissue, which is why they can be easily removed. The prognosis for lipomas is therefore generally very good. In very rare cases, however, so-called liposarcomas can also form from these harmless tumors. Unlike lipomas, liposarcomas are malignant tumors that can metastasize. Treatment is absolutely necessary here.
prevention
Very little is currently known about the development of lipomas. According to the current state of research, no preventive measures are known. However, a healthy lifestyle that avoids nicotine and alcohol is advisable in any case, as is sufficient exercise and a balanced diet.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.