Lipoma is a term used to refer to a benign neoplasm of adipose tissue. This type of cancer usually occurs on the torso, neck, armpits, arms, thighs and internal organs. Fortunately, lipomas are almost never dangerous and can be treated if they cause discomfort. In any case, it is always best to learn to identify and manage them if they develop.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Look for a small bump under the skin
The lipoma is usually dome-shaped and can be of different sizes. Usually, it is the size of a pea or can reach 3 cm in length. If you have a subcutaneous lump, it is possible that it is a lipomatous formation.
- Some lipomas can exceed 3 cm. Furthermore, there is the possibility that they will go totally unnoticed.
- These masses are formed by a rapid and abnormal increase in fat cells in the affected area.
- However, if it is a very large, hard bump that does not move easily, it could be a cyst. In this case, it is sensitive to touch, it could become infected and produce secretions.
Advise:
in rare cases, lipomas can become larger than 3 cm. When they exceed 5 cm, they are called giant lipomas.
Step 2. Check if the bump is soft
Lipomatous formations are usually quite soft to the touch, so they move under the fingers when pressed. These are tumors slightly anchored to the surrounding area, therefore, even if they remain substantially in their place, it is possible to move them just under the skin.
- This feature helps you determine if you have a lipoma, tumor, or cyst. Cysts and tumors have more defined shapes and are firmer than lipomas.
- If the mass is deep - which is very rare - it may be difficult to perceive its consistency and determine its overall size.
Step 3. Pay attention to any pain you feel
While these are mostly painless tumors (the bumps don't have nerve endings), they can sometimes hurt if they grow in certain places on the body. For example, if the lipoma is located near a nerve and begins to grow, it could squeeze it and cause pain.
See your doctor if you start to feel pain in areas around a lipoma
Step 4. See your doctor if a lipoma appears or changes in appearance
See your doctor if you notice a new lump growing or if a bump changes shape or size. It is important to get your diagnosis rather than determining the nature of the problem based on a personal symptom assessment so that you can undergo treatment that is appropriate for your condition.
Your doctor will be able to tell the difference between a lipoma and other types of tumors and cysts
Part 2 of 4: Getting the Doctor's Diagnosis
Step 1. Note when you spot the bump
It is important to know how long this mass has been present and whether it has changed over time. The first time you see it, write down the date, location and general form.
Your notes will help the doctor assess the severity of the problem and whether it needs to be removed because it continues to grow
Advise:
keep in mind that the bump can stay in the same place for years without changing or causing negative side effects. In most cases it is removed only for aesthetic reasons.
Step 2. See if it is growing
When you first notice the mass, measure it with a tape measure to keep track of any development. If you notice that it has grown within a month or two, go to the doctor for a visit, even if you have already seen it.
- It is not always easy to tell at what rate it grows because this type of cancer develops very slowly.
- At first, the lipoma may be the size of a pea and gradually increase. However, it generally reaches 3 cm in diameter; therefore, if it exceeds these dimensions, it is very likely that it is not a lipoma.
Step 3. Refer it for medical attention
If you notice an unusual or new bump on your body, you should always get it checked by your doctor. Then, go to his office and show him the problem. Once received, it will ask you what symptoms you exhibit and touch the mass.
- In many cases, the doctor is able to diagnose a lipoma simply by palpating it. However, it is possible that he will order diagnostic tests to confirm his suspicions.
- Tests he can tell you include: x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and biopsy.
Part 3 of 4: Knowing the Risk Factors
Step 1. Keep in mind that age can play an important role in the development of a lipoma
Generally this type of cancer occurs in people between the ages of 40 and 60. If you are over 40, keep an eye out for these kinds of bumps.
However, it is good to know that it can develop at any age. There is only a greater risk after age 40
Step 2. Determine if you have any complaints that can facilitate lipoma formation
Certain health problems can increase the likelihood of developing similar cancers. Those linked to lipoma include:
- Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome;
- Madelung's disease;
- Painful adiposis;
- Cowden syndrome;
- Gardner's syndrome.
Step 3. Make sure there are no previous cases of lipomas in the family
Ask your parents and grandparents if any of them have suffered from lipomas or if they know of such cases in the family. Since lipoma formation can be hereditary, there is a link between the health conditions of each family member.
- For example, if your grandmother had a lipoma, it is very likely that it can develop on you because you share the same genetic makeup.
- However, keep in mind that sporadic cases of lipoma - that is, those that have no genetic origin - are more common than those caused by heredity. This means that you can still develop a lipoma even if there is no familiarity.
Warning:
knowing that other cases have occurred in the family does not exclude you from the risk. However, you can make a link right away if you have any suspicious bumps.
Step 4. Pay attention to any injuries you may suffer when playing a contact sport
People who play contact sports, during which they are repeatedly hit in the same spot, have a higher chance of developing this tumor. For example, volleyball players can experience lipomatous masses in the areas most affected by the ball.
If you keep getting hit in the same spot multiple times, be sure to protect that area well so that no lipomas form in the future
Part 4 of 4: Treating the Lipoma
Step 1. Consult your doctor about steroid injections
It is the least invasive way to get rid of a lipoma. The procedure involves injecting a mixture of steroids (triamcinolone acetonide and 1% lidocaine) into the center of the tumor mass. It is done on an outpatient basis and you will be able to go home once it is done.
If the lipoma does not go away within a month, the treatment can be repeated until it is gone
Step 2. Undergo surgery to remove the tumor if it is large or painful
The most effective way to get rid of a lipoma is to have it surgically removed. Usually, surgery is only done for tumors that have reached about 3 cm in diameter or are causing pain. When they develop almost to the surface of the skin, a slight incision is made to remove the mass and, finally, the wound is cleaned and sutured.
- If the lipoma is located in an organ - which happens rarely - it is necessary to undergo general anesthesia to remove it.
- Usually, lipomas do not reform once removed, but they rarely grow back.
Step 3. Consider liposuction as a form of treatment
This technique uses suction to remove fatty tissue. It involves a small incision on the protuberance from which a probe is inserted that aspirates the tumor mass. Typically, this is an outpatient procedure performed in a doctor's office or hospital.
Generally, people who choose this option want to have the lipoma removed for cosmetic reasons. It is also provided in cases where the mass is softer than normal
Warning:
Keep in mind that liposuction creates a small scar that is barely visible once the wound has healed completely.
Step 4. Go for home remedies as an additional treatment
There are several herbs and supplements that reduce the size of lipomas. Although there is not a lot of scientific research to prove their effectiveness, the direct experiences told by users concern the following home remedies:
- Chickweed: buy a chickweed solution at the pharmacy and take a teaspoon 3 times a day, after meals.
- Neem: Add this Indian herb to your meals or take a supplement a day.
- Flaxseed oil: apply it directly to the affected area, 3 times a day.
- Green tea: drink one cup a day.
- Turmeric: Take one supplement a day or apply an equal parts blend of turmeric and oil to the bump every day.
- Lemon Juice: Add a squeeze of lemon to the drinks you consume throughout the day.
