Lipomas are the most common benign soft-tissue tumors. They consist of mature fat cells enclosed by thin fibrous capsules. It feels loose and you can roll it around under the skin. Additionally, they can occur on any part of the body and usually develop superficially in the subcutaneous tissue. Rarely, they may involve fascia or deeper muscular planes.
They present as soft, painless subcutaneous nodules ranging in size from 1 to >10 cm. They occur most frequently on the trunk and upper extremities and can be round, oval, or multilobulated. Patients may have more than one and occasionally may have a genetic condition characterized by the development of multiple lipomas in several family members. Malignant transformation of a lipoma into a liposarcoma is rare.
A skin specialist can accurately assess and diagnose a lipoma. A biopsy may be needed if a it causes pain, restricts movement, rapidly enlarges, or is firm rather than soft.
The treatment consists of the surgical removal of the fat cells and the capsule. Recurrence of a completely excised lipoma is not common.
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Case Study: Lipoma removal: A Total of Two Weeks from Phone Call to Discharge
