A lipoma is a benign, fatty tumor that forms underneath your skin. About one in 1,000 people have lipomas, and they’re most common on the trunk, arms, and legs.
Lipomas are soft, moveable lumps — and they’re almost always harmless. But if you have one, it’s normal to wonder where it came from and what you can do about it.
Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS, and our team at North Tarrant Health Providers offer comprehensive care for lipomas in Fort Worth, Texas. Here's a closer look at some of the possible causes of your lipoma, and what your treatment options are.
Experts aren’t sure why some people get lipomas and others don’t. Most lipomas develop without any known cause or trigger, but some can be traced to a specific cause. These possible causes can include:
One of the most likely causes of lipomas is genetics. Research indicates that lipomas may run in families. That means you could be more likely to develop a lipoma if one or more close relatives also has one. Certain inherited conditions, like hereditary multiple lipomatosis or Gardner syndrome, can also increase your risk.
Another possible cause of lipomas is an adipose tissue disorder. Adipose tissue is the connective tissue that stores fat cells in your body, and some people may have an abnormal amount or distribution of adipose tissue.
A few different adipose tissue disorders that can increase your risk of lipomas include lipomatosis, adiposis dolorosa (Dercum's disease or Anders' syndrome), and Madelung's disease.
Hormonal imbalance can also play a role in lipoma development — specifically, high levels of estrogen. That’s because estrogen stimulates the growth of adipose tissue, which can lead to the formation of lipomas. Estrogen imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors.
Sometimes, lipomas develop as a result of trauma to the affected area. Trauma can damage the connective tissue that surrounds your fat cells, and a lipoma may form in response to that damage.
While lipomas can occur at any age, they’re most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 60 years old. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including hormonal changes that occur with aging, along with an increased likelihood of genetic predisposition.
If you notice a lump under your skin, it’s important to have it evaluated. Lipomas aren’t cancerous, but they can look similar to liposarcoma, which is a rare type of cancer.
Dr. Sambandam examines your skin to diagnose your lipoma, and he may order additional testing if necessary. Most lipomas don’t cause symptoms and don’t need treatment. But if your lipoma is uncomfortable or unsightly, surgical removal could be an option for you.
Schedule your lipoma evaluation at North Tarrant Health Providers by calling 817-904-4165 today, or requesting an appointment online any time.
