Lipomas

Lipomas are soft, usually round, non-cancerous tumours of fatty tissue that slowly develop under the skin. They are generally not painful and move easily under the skin when pressure is applied.

They present as soft, doughy masses under the skin and grow slowly, usually over a period of months or years. They are generally small (1-3cm in diameter) and painless, but can become uncomfortable if they grow large.

There is no known way to prevent lipoma formation and they can appear anywhere on the body where fat cells are present, but usually on the neck, shoulders, back abdomen, arms or thighs. The causes of lipoma development are not generally known but more commonly develop in older people; they are often genetic and can also develop after suffering a minor injury.

Lipomas are usually nothing to worry about, however, advice should be sought from a dermatologist if you are experiencing discomfort or notice changes, as in rare cases a lipoma can develop into a liposarcoma, a malignant form of cancer.

Advice from a dermatologist should be sought if you notice any of the following:

• An increase in size of the growth at a more rapid rate than previously experienced
• Pain in and around the growth
• Skin around the growth becoming red or hot to the touch
• A change in texture of the growth or the skin

At RENA Clinics, our team of consultant dermatologists is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care throughout the diagnosis and treatment process. We offer a full lipoma and skin check service conducted in-house by one of our expert consultant dermatologists, with potential treatment depending on the size and location of the lipoma. Most will not need treating, however, may still be removed for cosmetic purposes.

We offer a range of options to provide the best results for lipoma removal, including surgical removal at our state-of-the-art clinic, or referral to another specialist for larger lipomas or those that require specialist treatment.

Throughout your treatment journey, our team will closely monitor your progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible outcome. Our goal is to help you achieve clear, healthy skin and restore your confidence.