Oakland Macomb Surgical Group

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Lipomas

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  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Am I at Risk
  • Complications

Introduction

Lipomas are fat capsules located underneath the skin.  They are usually harmless and common.  Lipomas look like round lumps.  They may be small or grow to over an inch.  They most frequently occur on the arms and trunk.  Lipomas do not need to be removed unless they are in a bothersome location.

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Anatomy

Your skin covers your body and protects it from the environment.  Your skin is composed of three major layers, the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.  The epidermis is the outermost layer of your skin.  It protects your inner skin layers.
 
The dermis is your second layer of skin.  It is made up of connective tissue and provides structure.  The dermis contains hair cells, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands that secrete oils to hydrate the skin.
 
Subcutaneous tissue composes your inner most layer of skin.  Subcutaneous tissue contains fat cells.  The fat cells insulate your body and make your skin appear plump and full.  Below the subcutaneous tissue are fat tissues, your muscles, and your bones. 
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Causes

The exact cause of lipomas is unknown.  It appears that there may be an inherited component.  They may also develop following an injury to the area.  Lipomas are not caused from being overweight.
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Symptoms

Lipomas appear as round lumps underneath the skin.  They may be small or grow to over an inch.  Lipomas feel soft.  They are generally moveable.  Lipomas most frequently occur on the trunk, arms, armpits, neck, and upper thighs, but they may appear anywhere.  You may have more than one lipoma.
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Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose a lipoma by looking at it and feeling it.  In rare instances, a biopsy may be taken to rule out cancer if the lump appears suspicious.  Lipomas generally do not lead to cancer, but some cancers may look similar to some lipomas.  A biopsy involves removing a piece of tissue for examination.
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Treatment

Lipomas are generally harmless and do not need to be removed.  They may be removed if their appearance is bothersome or if they interfere with the movement of a joint.  Lipomas may be removed with a simple surgery or by liposuction.
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Am I at Risk

You may have an increased risk for lipomas if your close relatives have them.  They appear to run in families.  You may also be at risk if you have received an injury.
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Complications

Lipomas are harmless fatty tumors.  They are not cancer.  They do not cause cancer.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

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Oakland Macomb Surgical
Group
:
27483 Dequindre Road,
Suite 301
Madison Heights, MI 48071
Phone: (248) 546-2600
Fax: (248) 546-2604

Oakland Macomb Surgical
Group
:
46591 Romeo Plank Road,
Suite 133
Macomb Township MI 48044
Phone: (248) 546-2600
Fax: (248) 546-2604

Oakland Macomb Surgical
Group
:
1135 West University Drive,
Suite 240
Rochester MI 48307
Phone: (248) 546-2600
Fax: (248) 546-2604

Bariatric Center:
Ascension Michigan Weight Loss, Novi
28455 Haggerty Road,
Suite 203
Novi, MI 48377
Phone: (248) 465-3940
Fax: (248) 465-3941

Bariatric Center:
Ascension Michigan Weight Loss, Madison Heights
27483 Dequindre Road, Suite 204
Madison Heights, MI 48071
Phone: (866) 823-4458
Fax: (248) 967-7330

Bariatric Center:
Ascension Michigan Weight Loss Program, Howell
1225 S. Latson Road, Suite 380
Howell, MI 48843
Phone: (248) 465-3940
Fax: (248) 465-3941

 

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Copyright © Oakland Macomb Surgical Group. All rights reserved

Oakland Macomb Surgical Group provides a complete range of bariatric and general surgical services including hernia surgery, colon surgery, gallbladder surgery, colonoscopy, breast surgery, and other laparoscopic procedures. Our experienced general  surgeons,  Dr. David Siegel, Dr. Gary Katz, and Dr. Renee Villaluz pride themselves on providing the best patient-centered care for all our patients in Madison Heights, MI.