Multiple Lipoma

Lipoma is a slow-growing lump of fatty tissue that resides under the skin. They can grow anywhere on the body, usually on your back, arms, shoulders and neck. Although it is classified as a tumour, Lipomas are generally benign and considered harmless. Nonetheless, it is wise to get them checked by your doctor.

In some cases, you may even have more than one lipoma, termed as Familial Multiple Lipomatosis (FML), or Multiple Lipoma. These can vary in size and are commonly located the torso, arms and upper legs.

It is stated that 1 in every 1000 people has a lipoma. They can affect people of all genders and occur at any age, with the age group of 40 to 60 being most susceptible.

Symptoms of Lipoma

A Lipoma appears roundish, feeling doughy and rubbery at touch. They are commonly small, not exceeding the size of a ten pence coin and sit in the subcutaneous layer, between muscle and skin. Small lipomas are very mobile and usually are not attached to any underlying tissue, such as fascia or muscles.

However, long-term Lipoma may grow larger, sizing up to a ‘golf ball’ size and can embed itself in the muscle.

Lipomas are often painless. In some instances, due to size and location, you may feel discomfort.

Causes of Lipoma

Scientists are yet to discover the exact cause of lipoma growth. However, it is understood that genetics plays a key role in lipoma development, suggesting lipomas to be hereditary.

If you have a family history of lipomas, you may be susceptible to developing multiple-lipomas or recurring lipoma. This can also happen even after removing multiple lipoma, as a result of new ones growing.

Diagnosis of Multiple Lipoma

Your doctor can easily diagnose a lipoma by examination. This includes the doctor having a look and feel at the lump.

In some cases, your doctor might recommend having an ultrasound prior to surgical removal, to understand the depth and anatomy of the lipoma, and its attachment to the body. However, in most cases, this is not necessary.

Treatment available at LipomaCyst

At LipomaCyst, we offer same-day surgical removal of Lipomas and Multiple Lipomas. Surgical lipoma removal is carried out under local anaesthetic, where it is removed entirely through a small incision.

Under our expert lead, incisions are performed skilfully in order to create the smallest of incisions for minimal scarring and quick healing, with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue layers.

The removal of Multiple Lipomas may take a few sessions. This is due to the safety limit on how much local anaesthetic can be administered in one sitting. Surgical removal of Lipoma and Multiple Lipoma take just 30-60 minutes and you are safe to go home immediately.

After surgical removal, your doctor may recommend further checks such as a biopsy upon the mass, to determine histopathology and further eliminate the small risk of cancerous cells.

Other Conditions similar to Familial Multiple Lipomatosis

Although most multiple lipomas are painless, rare cases can result in pulsating pain upon touch. This is termed as Dercum’s disease, a rare condition where pain flares from touching multiple lipomas, due to their proximity to neighbouring nerves or inflamed tissue.

Another condition to note is Madelung disease. Unlike FML, Madelung disease primarily affects the upper back, neck and jaw, with lumps consisting of fatty tissue arranged in a symmetrical manner. Madelung disease can commonly be mistaken for FML.

Summary

Multiple Lipomas are soft, benign lumps of fat that upper body. If you wish to rid of your lipomas, you may consider having them surgically removed.

Enquire now for a quote and treatment plan at LipomaCyst.com.