Related articles: Lipoma
Definition
Lipomas are benign tumors of adipose tissue.
The appearance of a lipoma is the result of an abnormal local proliferation of fat cells (adipocytes). These new growths have a nodular appearance and can develop in any part of the body, both subcutaneous and visceral (breast, kidney, intestine and joints).
Lipomas can be unique or multiple and occur mainly in adulthood, appearing more frequently on the trunk, neck, thighs and forearms.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Arrhythmia
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Nodule
- Paresthesia
Further indications
A lipoma appears as a medium-small nodule (rarely, the diameter exceeds 7-8 cm) and is usually circumscribed by a thin capsule of fibrous tissue.
In the subcutaneous plane, the lipomas are clearly visible, very mobile, soft and pasty to the touch (some lesions have a harder consistency); the overlying skin is normal.
The presence of these nodular lesions, in general, does not involve any disturbance; only in certain cases, lipomas can cause pain or changes in sensitivity (tingling). When they are located more deeply, however, they can cause different problems. The symptoms vary depending on the area affected, but are possible, for example, damage from the neurological point of view (lipoma meningeal), occlusion of the heart valves (cardiac lipoma) and bleeding of the digestive tract (intestinal lipoma).
A rapidly growing lipoma must undergo biopsy, although malignant transformation is rare.
Treatment is not always necessary. However, a painful, unaesthetic lipoma exposed to injury due to location or large size can be removed by surgical excision or liposuction.
