Can lipomas disappear?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on November 29, 2024
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Lipomas generally do not disappear on their own, and currently the only effective treatment for subcutaneous lipomas is surgical removal. However, lipomas are typically managed with an observational approach in clinical settings. Regular ultrasound checks can be scheduled to assess the growth rate of the lipoma and monitor any clinical symptoms it may cause. Observation is mainly employed because lipomas rarely turn malignant and because lipomas, especially those on the body's surface, often appear as multiple lesions. Complete removal can lead to surgical scars, affecting the appearance. Most lipomas grow slowly, often remaining asymptomatic under one centimeter, requiring no special treatment. During follow-up, if the growth rate is unusually rapid, malignancy cannot be ruled out, and surgical removal should be considered.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Is surgery recommended for lipomas?

Whether lipomas need surgical treatment often depends on the location, size of the lipoma, and whether it causes related clinical symptoms. If the lipoma grows too fast during observation, is in a special location, or severely affects appearance, surgical treatment can be considered. Alternatively, if the lipoma shows evident symptoms like localized redness, pain, surface itchiness, and uneven surfaces, timely color ultrasound re-examination should be done as malignancy cannot be ruled out, and timely surgical removal and biopsy are necessary. Thirdly, if the lipoma grows too quickly and causes compression symptoms, damaging other organs, surgical treatment should also be considered. Generally, lipomas are benign lesions, but there is also a possibility that they could develop into liposarcomas, which should be confirmed based on postoperative biopsy.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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What should I do if my lipoma bursts?

Lipoma is a type of tumor on the body surface, commonly found in the limbs and subcutaneous areas. It generally presents as a mass under the skin, which is lobulated or flat in shape, with no swelling or redness on the surface skin. Clinically, once a lipoma is diagnosed, surgical removal can be considered. If the lipoma's capsule breaks during surgery and the lipoma is damaged, there is no need for particular concern. It is only necessary to completely remove the lipoma, as it is composed of fatty tissue, the same as the normal subcutaneous tissue, and does not lead to serious consequences.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Can lipomas be treated with moxibustion?

Lipomas are relatively common subcutaneous tumors that often occur on the limbs and trunk. They consist of fatty tissue and generally do not present clinical symptoms. Patients with lipomas can undergo moxibustion treatment, a traditional Chinese medical practice that is beneficial for health. However, moxibustion does not treat lipomas, and it does not cause lipomas to shrink or disappear. Clinically, the only way to remove a lipoma is through surgical excision.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Do lipomas hurt when pressed?

For most lipomas, there is no pain when pressed. Lipomas are formed due to excessive proliferation of subcutaneous fat, with clear boundaries and very good mobility, and there is no pain upon pressing. If the lipoma is small or there are multiple lipomas, there is no need for excessive attention or surgical treatment in everyday life. Of course, excessive massaging or rubbing should be avoided. If pain occurs when pressing the lipoma, or if the lipoma is relatively large and grows significantly in a short period, surgical removal should be considered. Generally, the lipoma can be completely removed under local anesthesia.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Lipoma CT presentation

Lipomas are relatively common clinically and are one of the more frequent types of superficial tumors, commonly occurring on the limbs and trunk. Generally, a physical examination and ultrasound are sufficient for an accurate diagnosis of a lipoma, and there is no need for the patient to undergo a CT scan. However, if a CT scan is performed, lipomas can present in the following ways: first, a regular or lobulated mass may be found under the skin with sparse blood flow and a regular shape; second, on a CT scan, lipomas appear as low-density lesions, with CT values typically ranging between -70 HU to -90 HU. Diagnosis of a lipoma can be confirmed through these two observations.