What is a lipoma?

Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Lipoma is a type of benign tumor, classified as a superficial disorder. Its tissue is composed of fatty tissue. Patients often develop a lump under the skin, which has clear boundaries and the skin surface does not show swelling or ulceration. Generally, the lump is lobular or flat in shape. Since lipoma is a benign tumor, it can typically be managed by regular check-ups. If the lipoma is relatively large, or if there is localized concealed pain, surgical removal can be performed under local anesthesia.

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Treatment of Lipoma

Lipomas are a common type of benign tumor that we see clinically. Most cases are benign, and malignant transformation is very rare. Lipomas consist of normal, fatty-like tissue and primarily occur on the limbs and trunk. They have clear boundaries, are lobulated in appearance, soft in texture, and may feel like a false cyst. They are painless and grow slowly. Some can grow very large, and deep-seated ones may undergo malignant transformation and should be treated surgically in a timely manner. In terms of treatment for lipomas, medication is ineffective. Small lipomas can be monitored periodically. If a lipoma is large, affects daily life or aesthetics, or is a deep-seated lipoma that might become malignant, surgical treatment is required.

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Is a lipoma okay?

Lipomas are a type of tumor on the surface of the body and are benign. Patients generally do not exhibit significant clinical symptoms but might feel occasional, localized pain. Lipomas can gradually grow larger, and although rare, there is a possibility of malignancy if a lipoma persists over a long period. If a patient experiences pain or the lipoma is relatively large, it is recommended to undergo surgical treatment. Clinically, lipomas can be removed under local anesthesia, which is a minor and safe procedure, effectively curing the lipoma.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
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What department should I go to for a lipoma?

Lipoma is a disease within the range of superficial tumors. If a patient suspects a lipoma, they should visit the corresponding medical department for treatment, which is primarily determined by the location of the lipoma. If the patient has a lipoma on their limbs, they can visit the orthopedics department for diagnosis and treatment; if the lipoma is located in the abdominal area, the patient can visit general surgery; if the lipoma is located in the chest area, the patient can visit the thoracic surgery department for treatment. Lipomas often require surgical removal, performed by doctors from the aforementioned departments, allowing the patient to recover quickly.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Lipomas belong to which department?

Lipomas are relatively superficial tumors. Generally, lipomas fall under the category of general surgery, and general surgeons can easily diagnose and remove them through surgery. However, there are exceptions. If the lipoma is located deeper and in the chest area, it is recommended for the patient to consult the thoracic department for further diagnosis and treatment. If the lipoma is located in the scapular area and is relatively large and deep, it is recommended for the patient to consult the orthopedic department. Orthopedic specialists are more familiar with the local anatomy, which can lead to better treatment outcomes for the patient.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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How is a lipoma treated?

Lipomas are commonly seen in clinical practice and are a type of superficial tumor that are benign. They frequently occur on the limbs and trunk. Lipomas are located subcutaneously and are composed of fatty tissue. If the lipoma is small and the patient does not exhibit any significant clinical symptoms, conservative observation can be adopted as a treatment method. If the lipoma is relatively large, grows rapidly, or is accompanied by concealed pain, surgical treatment can be considered. Clinically, lipomas can be excised under local anesthesia; medication or massage are both ineffective.