Lipomas

By Denise M. Aaron, MD, New, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

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Benign Skin Tumors, Growths, and Vascular Lesions
Atypical Moles
Capillary Malformations
Cutaneous Cysts
Dermatofibromas
Infantile Hemangiomas
Keloids
Lipomas
Lymphatic Malformations
Moles
Nevus Araneus
Pyogenic Granulomas
Seborrheic Keratoses
Skin Tags
Vascular Lesions of the Skin

Lipomas are soft, movable, subcutaneous nodules of adipocytes (fat cells); overlying skin appears normal.

Lipomas are very common, benign, and usually solitary, but some patients have multiple lipomas. Common sites are the proximal extremities, trunk, and neck. Multiple lipomas can be familial and/or associated with various syndromes.

Lipomas are usually asymptomatic but can be tender or painful. A lipoma is usually easily movable within the subcutis. Lipomas are generally soft, but some become firmer.

Diagnosis of lipomas is usually clinical, but a rapidly growing lesion should be biopsied.