What are Lipomas?
A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that grows under the skin. It is not cancerous and usually does not cause any pain or harm. It looks like a round or oval-shaped bump that can be moved with gentle pressure. Lipomas are more common in middle-aged and older people, and they can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most often found on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs, or abdomen.
What are the signs and symptoms of Lipomas?
Some signs and symptoms of lipomas are:
- A soft, movable lump that grows just under the skin.
- A round or oval-shaped lump that feels doughy and can be moved with slight finger pressure.
- A painless lump that is usually smaller than 2 inches in diameter, but can grow larger in some cases.
- A lump that can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs, or abdomen.
What treatments are available at the dermatologist for Lipomas?
Some treatments that are available at the dermatologist for lipomas are:
- Surgical removal: This is a procedure where the lipoma is cut out from the skin. It can leave a scar and cause bruising, but it can completely remove the lipoma. It is usually done in a doctor’s office or surgical center with local anesthesia.
- Liposuction: This is a procedure where a needle and a large syringe are used to suck out the fatty tissue from the lipoma. It can reduce the size of the lipoma, but it may not remove it completely. It can also cause swelling and bleeding, but it can leave less scarring than surgery.
- Steroid injections: This is a procedure where a steroid medication is injected into the lipoma to shrink it. It can be effective for small lipomas, but it may not work for larger ones. It can also cause side effects such as pain, infection, and skin discoloration.
FAQ About Lipomas
Are lipomas common?
Lipomas are quite common – one in 1000 people will develop a lipoma at some point in their lives.
Are lipomas cancerous?
Lipomas are benign and rarely turn into cancer. However, there is a rare type of cancer called liposarcoma that can grow within fatty tissue and resemble a lipoma
Can lipomas be contagious?
Lipomas are not contagious. They are not caused by an infection or a virus.
Is there a dermatologist near me in St. Louis that offers treatment for Lipomas?
Yes. At our St. Louis dermatology office we offer treatment for Lipomas to patients from St. Louis and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.