What is a lipoma Growth?
A lipoma is a clump of fat cells in a thin, fibrous capsule usually found just below the skin. Lipomas aren’t usually cancerous and most never do turn into cancer. They are found most often on the neck, upper arms, torso, upper thighs, and even armpits, but they can occur almost anywhere in the body. It’s usual to see one or more lipomas being present at the same time. No need to panic, Lipomas are the most common noncancerous soft tissue growth.
What causes a lipoma?
The cause of lipomas is not completely understood, but the tendency to develop them is often cited as inherited. A minor injury may trigger the growth. But most often stated is that it’s the body’s way of handling a fatty liver or leaky gut syndrome. However, being overweight does not seem to cause lipomas.
What are the symptoms of a lipoma?
Lipomas usually:
• Are small [0.4 in. (1 cm) to 1.2 in. (3 cm)] and felt just under the skin.
• Are movable and have a soft, rubbery consistency.
• Do not usually cause pain to the touch.
• Can remain the same size over years or grow very slowly.
Why We Don’t Like Them
Often the most bothersome symptom is the location or increased size that makes the lipoma noticeable by others. Their unsightly presence makes them almost unbearable and we strive to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
How are lipomas diagnosed?
A lipoma can usually be diagnosed by its appearance alone, but your doctor may want to remove it to make sure the growth is noncancerous.
How are lipomas treated naturally?
Lipomas usually are not treated, because most of them don’t hurt or cause problems. But if you have one or more you want to have them removed naturally or by surgery.
There are many natural remedies for removing lipomas on the body. Your skin is another of the body’s elimination organs. Therefore, most natural lipoma removals can be accomplished by detoxing first and then applying strict dietary changes. This may take longer, but our bodies are designed to heal themselves when we are in top health.
Should You Medically Treat Lipomas?
Your doctor may order an imaging test, such as an ultrasound. Or your doctor might remove the lipoma if it is painful, gets infected, or bothers you.
Most lipomas can be removed in the doctor’s office or outpatient surgery center. The doctor injects a local anesthetic around the lipoma, makes an incision in the skin, removes the growth, and closes the incision with stitches (sutures). If the lipoma is in an area of the body that cannot be easily reached through a simple incision in the skin, the lipoma may need to be removed in the operating room under general anesthesia.
What groups are affected by lipomas?
Lipomas occur in all age groups but most often appear in middle age. Single lipomas occur with equal frequency in men and women. Multiple lipomas occur more frequently in men.