A lipoma( new growth in the skin) is a lump of fatty tissue that grows just under the skin. Lipomas move easily when you touch them and feel soft. Most lipomas aren’t painful and don’t cause health problems so they rarely need treatment. If a lipoma is bothering you, your health provider can remove it.
Lipomas are very common, about 1 of every 1,000 people has the issue. Lipomas appear most often between ages 40 and 60, but they can develop at any age. They can even be present at birth. Lipomas affect people of all genders, but they are slightly more common in women.
Lipomas can develop anywhere in the body. Rarely, lipomas grow on the muscles, internal organs or brain. The majority of people with a lipoma only have one, although more than one lipoma can grow. Most lipomas develop just under the skin on the:
- Arms or legs
- Back
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Trunk (chest and torso)
- Forehead
Healthcare providers aren’t sure what causes lipomas to grow. They are caused by genetics. As mentioned earlier, most lipomas don’t need treatment. If a lipoma is bothering you, your provider can remove it surgically. Lipoma removal procedures are safe and effective and don’t take so much process.