What should I do if I have lipoma on my body?
Lipomas are common, benign soft tissue tumors composed of fat cells that are usually slow-growing and painless. Although most lipomas require no treatment, many people have questions about their causes, diagnosis, and management. This article will give you detailed answers based on the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Common symptoms of lipoma

Lipomas usually appear as soft, mobile masses under the skin with clear borders and are painless when pressed. The following are typical features of lipoma:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| location | Commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen and extremities |
| size | Typically 1-3 cm but may be larger |
| texture | Soft, flexible and removable |
| pain | Usually painless unless nerve compression occurs |
2. Causes of lipoma
The specific cause of lipoma is unknown, but the following factors may be related to its occurrence:
| possible factors | Description |
|---|---|
| genetics | People with a family history of lipoma are more likely to develop the disease |
| age | Most common in people aged 40-60 years old |
| Obesity | Being overweight may increase your risk of disease |
| hormones | Changes in hormone levels may influence lipoma growth |
3. Diagnostic Methods of Lipoma
If you find suspicious lumps on your body, you should seek medical treatment promptly. Doctors usually diagnose by:
| diagnostic methods | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical examination | The doctor determines the nature of the mass through palpation |
| Ultrasound examination | Non-invasive examination to determine the size and location of the mass |
| MRI or CT | For lipomas in deep or special areas |
| Biopsy | Rarely needed to rule out malignancy |
4. Treatment options for lipoma
Most lipomas require no treatment, but intervention may be considered if:
| Treatment | Applicable situations |
|---|---|
| Watch and wait | Asymptomatic, slow-growing small lipoma |
| surgical resection | Rapid growth, pain, or unsightly appearance |
| aspiration | Minimally Invasive Treatment of Small Lipomas |
| laser treatment | New therapy, less trauma and faster recovery |
5. Prevention and daily care of lipoma
Although lipomas cannot be completely prevented, the following measures may reduce the risk:
| Suggestions | Specific practices |
|---|---|
| healthy eating | Reduce high-fat foods and eat more fruits and vegetables |
| regular exercise | At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week |
| weight management | Keep your BMI between 18.5-24.9 |
| Regular physical examination | Especially people with family history |
6. Answers to common misunderstandings
There are many misunderstandings about lipoma on the Internet. The following are authoritative answers:
| Misunderstanding | facts |
|---|---|
| Lipomas can become cancerous | In rare cases, it may become malignant, and the probability is extremely low |
| Massage can eliminate lipoma | Ineffective, may stimulate growth |
| Herbal topical application can cure | No scientific basis, may cause skin problems |
| All lumps are lipomas | Professional identification is required to rule out other tumors |
7. When you need immediate medical attention
You should seek medical attention promptly when the following situations occur:
| red flag | Possible problem |
|---|---|
| rapid increase | sudden increase in growth rate |
| increased pain | Spontaneous pain or obvious tenderness |
| skin changes | Surface redness and ulceration |
| Restricted activities | Affect joint function |
In short, although lipomas are mostly benign, correct recognition and appropriate treatment are important. It is recommended to consult a professional doctor promptly when an abnormal mass is found to avoid handling it on your own or delaying diagnosis and treatment.
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