Of Lumps and Lipomas
Not All Subcutaneous Tumors Are Cause for Panic
Alarm is a normal response when one finds a lump somewhere on the body, and a visit to the doctor is definitely in order. But not all bumps are created equal.
What a Lipoma Is
Lipomas are fatty tumors that usually lurk in the subcutaneous layer or occasionally deeper in the soft tissues. "Lipomas are found most often on the torso, neck, upper thighs, upper arms, and armpits, but they can occur almost anywhere in the body.", according to WebMD Medical Reference, from 'Healthwise'. These tumors are a collection of fat cells in a fibrous sac, and, for the most part, are noncarcinogenic. There is no known cause for lipomas, although some researchers believe it is possible that a small injury could result in a fatty tumor. What is known is that they are hereditary.
Lipomas can range in size from less than an inch to an unbelievable seven and a half inches, although the average measure is approximately 1 inch. Although most of these lie just below the skin some become imbedded in the surrounding muscle tissue. A large percentage of lipomas are simply left alone because they are very slow to grow and do not usually cause pain or discomfort. If this is not the case, however, a visit to the doctor's office or an outpatient surgical center is in order.
Treatment of Lipomas
The operation is a simple one: after a local anesthesia is applied the doctor will make an incision, remove the growth and then suture the skin closed again. If the patient has multiple lipomas that are large and/or deep, it may be necessary to have the procedure done in a hospital.
Lipomas are usually easily diagnosed by a doctor during an office visit. They have a rubbery feel to them and can usually be moved around under the skin. The problems arise when they become infected, press against nerves or grow to an unusual size; they can cause ugly lumps wherever they are located if they become large enough.
The Risk of Liposarcoma
Some doctors have them tested to rule out cancer, although the small ones are usually benign. Very large lipomas have the potential to have liposarcoma, a type of cancer found in the deep soft tissue of the body. Sizeable lipomas should always be checked for malignancy.
About 1% of the population suffer from lipomas, most often during middle age, and men are more likely to have multiple tumors than women. It is interesting to note that genetic studies using mice have shown a relationship between the obesity gene (HMG 1-C) and the development of lipomas, although they are not caused by obesity.
Play it Safe
When an unexplained lump is found anywhere on the body one should always see a doctor; never try to self-diagnose something that could ultimately be cancerous. If the doctor suggests that tests be done, it is wise to follow through.
