Lipoma
When to see your GP
You should see your GP if you develop a growth or swelling on your body. Theycan examine it and confirm whether it's a lipoma.
Whena lipoma is pressed, it should feel smooth and soft, like rubber or dough. It may move about under the skin.
If there's any doubt, your GP may recommend that you have an Ultrasound scan ,a biopsy or that the lump is removed altogether.They may also refer you to a specialist centre if the lump isn't typical of a harmless lipoma.
You should also see your GP if you have alump that:
- is getting bigger
- is painful
- feels hard
- grows back after it's been removed
In this case, your doctor will want to rule out other types of lump, such as a sarcoma (a very rare type of soft tissue cancer). You can read more about different types of soft tissue sarcoma on the Cancer Research UK website.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow under the skin. They're harmless and can usually be left alone if they're small and painless.
Who gets lipomas
Lipomas are fairly common, with about one in 100 people developing them.It's unusual to develop more than one or two lipomas, unless you havea rareinherited condition called familial multiple lipomato
When to see your GP
You should see your GP if you develop a growth or swelling on your body. Theycan examine it and confirm whether it's a lipoma. Whena lipoma is pressed, it should feel smooth and soft, like rubber or
Getting a lipomaremoved
Lipomas don't usually need to be removed unless they're causing problems, such as pain, or if there's uncertainty about whether it's a lipoma. You may wantyour lipoma removed if it's large or in an o
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