Lipoma
IN HOLMDEL, BRICK, & COLTS NECK, NJ
What Is Lipoma?
A lipoma refers to the presence of a benign fatty tumor beneath the skin that may be aesthetically bothersome to an individual due to its appearance. Lipomas typically feel soft and doughy to the touch and are usually movable under the skin. They often appear as small, round, or oval lumps just beneath the skin, and they can vary in size from a pea to several centimeters in diameter.
Lipomas typically present as soft, movable lumps just beneath the skin’s surface. While they are usually harmless and painless, they can vary in size and location, and some people may find them cosmetically undesirable. Lipomas can occur anywhere in the body where there are fat cells, but they are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, or thighs.
What Causes Lipoma?
Genetics
Genetic factors likely play a role in the development of lipomas. Lipomas can run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the condition. Some genetic syndromes, such as familial multiple lipomatosis and Gardner syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple lipomas.
Age
Lipomas are more commonly seen in adults between the ages of 40 and 60, although they can occur at any age. The prevalence of lipomas tends to increase with age.
Obesity
While anyone can develop a lipoma, being overweight or obese may increase the risk. Excess adipose tissue (fat) in the body may contribute to the formation of lipomas, although the relationship between obesity and lipoma development is not fully understood.
Trauma
Injury or trauma to the fatty tissue may sometimes trigger the formation of a lipoma. However, many lipomas develop spontaneously without any apparent cause or preceding trauma.
Hormonal Factors
Some research suggests that hormonal factors may influence the development of lipomas. Hormonal imbalances or changes, such as those associated with pregnancy or hormonal therapy, may contribute to the growth of lipomas in some individuals.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as adiposis dolorosa (also known as Dercum’s disease), Madelung’s disease, Cowden syndrome, and Proteus syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of developing lipomas. These conditions are characterized by abnormal fat accumulation and may predispose individuals to the development of multiple lipomas.
