How To Get Rid Of Fatty Tumors

Will Lipomas Go Away On Their Own? When To Schedule Lipoma Removal

What Is A Lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign lump of fatty tissue that grows beneath the skin. There is little risk of a lipoma becoming cancerous. These bumps are usually painless and are most commonly found on the upper back, shoulders, arms, and upper thighs. While anyone can get a lipoma, the growths are most common in people between 40-60 years old.

City Place Surgery Center Will Lipomas Go Away On Their Own When To Schedule Lipoma Removal

Are these growths dangerous?

Lipomas don't pose significant health risks. However, some people may opt to have the growth removed. Sometimes the growth becomes painful, or the patient is simply embarrassed or frustrated by the condition. In these cases, patients may opt to have the fatty tissue surgically removed.

What to expect at the doctor's

When a patient sees a healthcare provider for lipoma treatment, doctors will start with an assessment of the condition. Particularly, the doctor will want to know if the lipoma is painful and how long the growth has been present. Usually, a doctor can diagnose a lipoma without further testing. In some cases, the doctor may order an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan.

Do lipomas go away without treatment?

Excision is the only procedure that will completely get rid of a lipoma. Typically, the removal is performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery involves making an incision in the skin to cut the tumor out. Usually, local anesthesia is sufficient for this procedure. Most of the time, lipomas do not recur once removed. If the growth does come back, most surgeons recommend cutting the lipoma out a second time.

Can I prevent lipomas?

Experts are not definitive on what causes these growths. There is some correlation between lipomas and certain conditions, such as Gardner's syndrome, Madelung's disease, and adiposis dolorosa. Some other risk factors can include obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, glucose intolerance, and liver disease.

When to see a doctor

In many cases, lipoma removal is not medically necessary. Usually, patients opt to have the excision performed for cosmetic reasons. However, patients should always contact a healthcare provider if the bump becomes red, painful, changes in size, turns into a hard or immovable lump or causes visible changes in the surrounding skin.

The only cure for lipomas

Though lipomas are not dangerous, many people opt to have the growths removed for cosmetic reasons. Surgical excision is the only cure for lipomas, and the tumors will not go away without treatment. For more information about lipoma removal, speak with a healthcare provider.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!