Is Lipoma Dangerous? Everything You Need To Know To Stay Safe

Lipomas are completely harmless. These soft, fatty lumps are usually non-cancerous, slow-growing, and painless, rarely causing serious health problems.

However, warning signs may include rapid growth, pain, or changes in texture. If you notice any of these, consult a doctor. Lipomas can appear at any age, including during pregnancy, and are most often safe to leave alone unless they affect comfort or appearance.

Liposuction, or surgical removal, is a safe, effective, and usually quick procedure that ensures the lump won’t grow back in the same spot.

Read this blog till the end to know if lipoma is dangerous, how it’s treated, and when it’s essential to talk to your doctor.

What Is a Lipoma and Why Does It Form?

A lipoma is a soft lump containing fat cells that grows just under your skin. It usually feels moveable, like a small squishy ball, and is often painless. Most lipomas are small, about 1 to 5 centimetres, but some can grow bigger over time.

Lipomas can appear anywhere on the body where fat cells are present. The most common places are the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and thighs. Sometimes lipomas can grow deeper inside your body, but this is rare.

Causes of lipoma are:

• Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency to develop lipomas.
• Age: They are more common in middle-aged adults (40–60 years).
• Medical conditions: Diabetes or obesity may increase the likelihood of developing this condition.
• Physical trauma: Occasionally, injuries may trigger a lipoma at the site.
• Other factors: Rarely, treatments like insulin injections or corticosteroids may be associated.

The important thing to remember is that most lipomas are harmless and rarely cause problems.

If you want more information, learn what is lipoma in detail

Is Lipoma Dangerous?

According to Cancer Research UK, lipomas are benign, which means they aren’t cancerous and usually don’t cause harm. Lipomas don’t spread to other parts of the body, and they rarely cause serious health problems.

Can Lipomas Turn Cancerous?

The short answer is no. Lipomas themselves do not become cancerous. They are non-cancerous, fatty lumps, which means they won’t spread or turn into a harmful tumour.

However, liposarcoma is a rare type of cancer that may sometimes look similar to a lipoma. Liposarcomas are:

• Firm and harder than normal lipomas
• Fixed in one spot and not easily movable
• Fast-growing compared to most lipomas

Because it can be difficult to tell the difference, any new lump or a lump that changes should be checked by a doctor. A simple physical exam, ultrasound, or MRI can help confirm if the lump is harmless.

Is your lipoma bothering you?

Even if it’s not dangerous, a lipoma can sometimes be physically or cosmetically uncomfortable. If you want to end this discomfort, you can always explore safe and effective solutions.

Book a Consultation

When Should You Worry About a Lipoma?

Most lipomas are harmless, but there are a few warning signs that mean you should see a doctor:

• Rapid growth: If the lump grows quickly over a few weeks.
• Pain or discomfort: Most lipomas are painless, but if they start pressing on nerves or become tender, it is a sign to get them checked
• Change in texture: A lump that becomes firm, hard, or fixed in one spot.
• Large size or deep location: Lipomas bigger than 5 cm or deep within the body may cause problems.
• Signs of infection: Redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.

Even though these signs are rare, it’s always better to get a new or changing lump examined. A doctor can run simple tests like an ultrasound or MRI to make sure it isn’t something more serious, like a liposarcoma.

At What Size Should a Lipoma Be Removed? 

Most lipomas don’t need to be removed, even if they grow slowly over time. Doctors usually only recommend removal if:

• The lipoma is larger than 5 centimetres.
• It causes pain or discomfort.
• It presses on nerves or nearby structures.
• It is in a visible or noticeable area and affects how you feel about your appearance.

There is uncertainty about the diagnosis, and a doctor wants to confirm it’s not something more serious.

Removal is a safe and straightforward procedure, typically performed under local anaesthesia. But if the lipoma is small and painless, it’s perfectly fine to leave it alone and monitor it.

How Is a Lipoma Removed?

There are a few main lipoma removal treatments, which include:

• Liposuction

This is a minimally invasive procedure. A thin tube, called a cannula, is inserted into the lipoma to gently suction out the fatty tissue. Doctors often suggest liposuction for larger lipomas or those in areas where a small scar is preferred. Recovery is usually quick, and most people can resume normal activities within a few days.

• Excision (Surgical Removal)

Excision is the most common method for removing lipomas. The doctor makes a small cut in the skin and removes the entire fatty lump. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic so that you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Excision ensures that the lipoma does not grow back in the same spot. Depending on the size, a small scar may form, which usually fades over time.

This method has low risks of complications as it is considered generally safer. After the procedure, most people experience only mild soreness and can resume normal daily activities quickly.

• Combination Techniques

Sometimes, doctors may use a combination of liposuction and excision, especially for very large or deep lipomas. This helps remove the lump completely while keeping the scar as small as possible.

Key: The right treatment depends on the size, location, and type of lipoma

How Painful Is Lipoma Removal Surgery? 

If a lipoma needs to be removed, the procedure is usually quick and simple. Most removals are done under local anaesthetic, which means the area is numb and you won’t feel pain during the surgery.

After the procedure, mild soreness or tenderness for a few days is expected. Most people can return to normal activities quickly.

Possible minor side effects include:

• Small scar at the surgery site
• Slight swelling or bruising
• Rarely, infection or regrowth of the lipoma

Overall, lipoma removal is not very painful, and complications are uncommon.

What Will Happen if a Lipoma Is Not Removed?

In most cases, leaving a lipoma alone is a safe option. Lipomas are benign, meaning they aren’t cancerous and typically don’t cause harm.

Here’s what can happen if a lipoma is not removed:

• Slow growth: Most lipomas grow very slowly, if at all.
• Discomfort: Rarely, a lipoma in a sensitive area may press on nerves or muscles, causing mild discomfort or pain.
• Cosmetic concerns: Some people may feel self-conscious if the lipoma is in a visible area, like the neck or arms.
• Deep lipomas: In uncommon cases, a lipoma deep inside the body (e.g., near organs or joints) may cause pressure or blockages.

For the majority of people, a diagnosed benign lipoma can safely be monitored without treatment. It’s only removed if it causes symptoms, grows quickly, or affects appearance.

How to Shrink a Lipoma Naturally?

Many people wonder if it’s possible to shrink a lipoma at home without surgery. The truth is, there is no scientifically proven natural method to eliminate a lipoma. 

Is your lipoma bothering you?

Even if it’s not dangerous, a lipoma can sometimes be physically or cosmetically uncomfortable. If you want to end this discomfort, you can always explore safe and effective solutions.

Book a Consultation

Lipomas are made of fat cells, and they usually don’t shrink on their own.

Some people try home remedies, such as:

• Applying oils like castor oil or tea tree oil.
• Eating a healthy diet and exercising to manage body fat.
• Herbal treatments or supplements.

While these approaches are safe to try, there is no evidence that they remove or shrink lipomas. The only way to fully get rid of a lipoma is through medical removal, either by surgery or liposuction.

What to Avoid: Squeezing or cutting a lipoma at home, as this can lead to infection or other complications. Always consult a doctor if you’re concerned about a lump.

Final Thoughts

In summary, lipomas are generally not dangerous. They are benign lumps made of fatty tissue and rarely cause pain or serious health problems. If they grow rapidly, cause pain, or change in texture, consult a doctor right away. 

While lipomas can appear at any age, including during pregnancy, most are safe to leave alone unless they interfere with daily life or the appearance.

If a lipoma does need attention, removal through liposuction or surgical excision is safe, effective, and quick, ensuring it won’t grow back in the same spot. For anyone in Leeds seeking professional lipoma removal, the experts at Yorkshire Skin Centre offer safe and reliable treatment with personalised care. 

Don’t wait to get peace of mind,  book a consultation today.

FAQs

1.  Are lipomas common in pregnancy?

Lipomas are not caused by pregnancy, but hormonal changes during pregnancy can sometimes make existing lipomas more noticeable. They are usually harmless and don’t pose a risk to you or your baby.

2. Can lipomas occur in children?

Yes, lipomas can appear in children, but this is less common than in adults. Most childhood lipomas are benign and grow slowly. If a lump appears, it’s always best to get it checked by a doctor.

3. Are lipomas caused by hormones?

Hormones do not directly cause lipomas. Their formation is mainly linked to genetics and sometimes age or other health conditions. Hormones may slightly affect growth, but they are not the main cause.

4. Who is prone to lipomas?

Lipomas are more common in people:

• Between 40 and 60 years old
• With a family history of lipomas (genetic tendency)
• Who have certain health conditions like diabetes or obesity

5. Does poor diet cause lipomas?

No, a poor diet does not directly cause lipomas. They are made of fat cells, but lipomas are not caused by eating fatty or unhealthy foods. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is good for overall health, but it won’t prevent lipomas.