A lipoma
A lipoma is a soft fatty lump that moves under the skin, grows very slowly and may sit for years without pain. Removing it is for comfort or appearance, often under local anaesthetic if it is small.
Features that need a closer look
- Larger than 5 cm.
- Obvious growth over weeks or months.
- A fixed lump that does not move, or one deep in the muscle.
- Unexplained pain without infection.
Imaging and biopsy
A deep or fast-growing lump is imaged with MRI before any removal, and a needle biopsy may be taken. An unplanned excision of a suspicious mass can make later treatment harder, so diagnosis comes before surgery when the features are atypical.
A small, soft lump unchanged for years is reassuring, but any new change in size deserves examination rather than a guess.
This article is for general education and does not replace a medical examination or your doctor’s advice.
