Lipoma

What causes lipoma?

The cause of lipomas isn't fully understood. They tend to run in families, so genetic factors likely play a role in their development.

Risk factors

Several factors may increase your risk of developing a lipoma, including:

  • Being between 40 and 60 years old. Although lipomas can occur at any age, they're most common in this age group.
  • Genetics. Lipomas tend to run in families.

Last updated on 05-01-20

How is lipoma diagnosed?

To diagnose a lipoma, your doctor may perform:

  • A physical exam
  • A tissue sample removal (biopsy) for lab examination
  • An X-ray or other imaging test, such as an MRI or CT scan, if the lipoma is large, has unusual features or appears to be deeper than the fatty


There's a very small chance that a lump resembling a lipoma may actually be a form of cancer called liposarcoma. Liposarcomas — cancerous tumors in fatty tissues — grow rapidly, don't move under the skin and are usually painful. A biopsy or an MRI or CT scan is typically done if your doctor suspects liposarcoma.

Last updated on 05-01-20

How is lipoma treated?

No treatment is usually necessary for a lipoma. However, if the lipoma bothers you, is painful or is growing, your doctor might recommend that it be removed. Lipoma treatments include:

  • Surgical removal. Most lipomas are removed surgically by cutting them out. Recurrences after removal are uncommon. Possible side effects are scarring and bruising. A technique known as minimal excision extraction may result in less scarring.
  • Liposuction. This treatment uses a needle and a large syringe to remove the fatty lump.

Last updated on 05-01-20

Social Networking Websites

Facebook Groups

Visit the Lipoma Support Group group on Facebook.

Last updated on 04-27-20

Name: The Limb Preservation Foundation 925 S Niagara Street Suite 610
Denver, CO, 80224,
Phone: (303) 429-0688 Email: khill@limbpreservation.org Url: http://limbpreservation.org/
Mayo Clinic. Lipoma Reference Link

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The RareGuru disease database is regularly updated using data generously provided by GARD, the United States Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center.

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