Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumors that are majorly a cosmetic concern. They can also be painful and uncomfortable. They can grow into the deeper muscle, push on nerves and interfere in daily or physical activities.
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Lipoma & Causes
Lipoma is the most common benign soft tissue tumor occurring in 1% of the population. They consist of mature fat cells and are typically enclosed by a thin fibrous capsule. Lipomas can occur on any part of the body and usually develop superficially in the subcutaneous tissue (under the skin). They are usually painless and are most often
found on the upper back, shoulders, arms, buttocks, and upper thighs.
There is speculation that lipomas are caused by previous trauma. One theory is that injuries can cause fat to protrude through tissue planes in the body, creating a “pseudo” lipoma. Another theory is that trauma causes release of cytokines (a cytokine is a substance that is released by cells of the immune system. Cytokines can have powerful effects on other cells of the body). These cytokines may then cause abnormal growth of fat cells. However, to date, there is no proof that trauma causes lipoma. The causes of lipoma are still poorly understood.
While the exact cause of lipomas remains uncertain, there has been found to be a genetic link to solitary lipomas. This was found on chromosome 12.
The Lipoma Removal Advantage
Lipomas are removed surgically for the following reasons:
- It is causing a cosmetic deformity
- It is causing symptoms such as pain, numbness or limitation in motion.
- The mass is larger than 5 cm in size.
Lipoma removal is the excision of uncomfortable, fatty tissue growths or lipomas. These growths develop directly under the skin and are one of the most common growths seen on the body. Although benign lipomas do not pose any life threatening concern, these growths are painful and uncomfortable. They can grow into the deeper muscle, push on nerves and interfere in daily or physical activities. This is the medical justification for removal, and the tissue is sent to pathology to confirm it is not cancerous.
