When Does a Lipoma Require Medical Intervention?

Finding any strange lump or bump on your body can be alarming. Fortunately, not all of them are a cause for concern. That’s often the case with lipomas, which are fatty growths that are typically not cancerous.

Still, if you notice changes in your body — such as new lumps — you should get evaluated to rule out serious issues. Plus, even noncancerous bumps can cause problems that warrant medical attention.

Scott A. deVilleneuve, MD, of Surgical Associates of North Texas in McKinney, Texas, is an expert in evaluating and treating soft tissue problems. And while lipomas are often not a cause for concern, there are cases where they may require medical intervention.

In this blog, Dr. deVilleneuve offers insight into these growths and when they may need treatment.

Lipoma basics

It’s easy to assume the worst if you detect a new bump or lump. But not all growths are created equal. And, in most cases, lipomas aren’t a cause for concern.

A lipoma is a fatty mass that develops just underneath the skin. They’re often soft, doughy, and easy to move. They also become increasingly common with age, usually appearing on the:

Forehead
Neck
Chest, shoulders, or back
Arms or legs
Thighs
Abdomen

What causes lipomas isn’t known, but they tend to occur in families. And since they’re not typically cancerous, they’re often not an issue. However, there are situations in which they may need treatment, as we’ll explain next. And, you should always see an expert if you discover a new growth on your body to rule out other conditions, such as cancer.

When a lipoma requires intervention

Most lipomas are under two inches in size, painless, and grow slowly. However, that isn’t always the case.

Depending on their location, these fatty growths can become quite painful, especially if they contain blood vessels or press on surrounding nerves. Less often, lipomas can grow in size to six inches or larger.

Additional reasons to see an expert regarding a lipoma include:

Rapid growth over weeks
Sudden changes, including pain
A lump under the skin that doesn’t move

If you have a lipoma that’s growing or causing discomfort, Dr. deVilleneuve can outline your treatment options.

Treating lipomas

The only true method for removing these types of growths involves surgery. Dr. deVilleneuve has advanced skills in performing soft tissue procedures. This is important, because unlike bones and other solid matter, soft tissues — especially lipomas — change shape when handled. Fortunately, most of these are in the area between the skin and muscle so that removing them doesn’t cause much long term damage and return to normal activities can occur immediately after surgery.

Is a lipoma causing you problems? Or do you have a lump or bump you want examined? Dr. deVilleneuve can give you the help you need. To learn more, call 972-525-0245 or book an appointment online with Surgical Associates of North Texas today.