Lipoma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Fat tissue benign tumor or lipoma is a benign tumor (lump) under the skin consisting of fat. Usually, benign fat tissue tumors or lipomas are found in the elderly (40-60 years). However, it is possible that it can also be found in children.
Benign fat tissue tumors or lipomas associated with fat. Therefore this disease can appear in any part of the body.
The most common type is a tumor that grows closer to the surface of the skin (superficial). Usually, benign tumors of fatty tissue or lipomas are located on the head, neck, shoulders, trunk, back or arms. Another type of tumor is located deeper than the skin. As in muscles, nerves, joints, or tendons.
Symptom
Symptoms of benign fat tissue tumors or lipomas are lumps in several parts of the body. Some of the signs you can watch for are:
- The lump is usually soft to the touch and can be moved.
- The lump is small, no more than three centimeters. However, tumors can grow up to six centimeters in size, but rarely more than that.
- The lump is not painful.
- The lump is colorless.
- Tumor growth is usually very slow and rarely becomes malignant.
Reason
The cause of benign fat tissue tumors or lipomas is not yet known. However, benign fat tissue tumors or lipomas are closely related to a family history of benign fatty tissue tumors.
However, there is a syndrome called hereditary multiple lipomatosis, in which a person has more than 1 benign tumor of fatty tissue or lipoma in their body. Obesity does not cause benign fat tissue tumors or lipomas.
Diagnosis
Determining the diagnosis of benign fat tissue tumors or lipomas is carried out through a series of medical interview processes and physical examinations. In addition, the doctor will also directly examine and differentiate benign tumors of fatty tissue or lipomas from other causes of lumps.
Laboratory tests can be done using tissue samples (biopsy). Another type of examination that a doctor may perform is an ultrasound examination. The purpose of the examination is to ensure that the lump that appears is really a lipoma tumor and not a cyst.
Imaging tests will be done if the lump that appears is unusual or not like lipoma cases in general. Examinations that can be done are CT scans and MRI. Through imaging tests, doctors can determine if there is a possibility of a malignant tumor.
Treatment
Basically, benign tumors of fatty tissue or lipomas do not require any action, unless they develop into malignant ones. Although rare, lipoma changes become worrisome when accompanied by pain and interfere with movement.
Usually, a person undergoes surgery for aesthetic reasons. The operation undertaken is a minor operation, namely by incising the overlying skin and removing the existing benign tumor of fatty tissue or lipoma.
To get the results of a more minimal operation, liposuction can be done. Currently, techniques are also being developed using ultrasound waves to destroy existing fat.
But keep in mind that existing benign fat tissue tumors or lipomas cannot be completely removed. Thus there is still the possibility to develop again in the future.