Lipoma is a harmless tumor caused by an increase in subcutaneous fat cells. It is one of the most common subcutaneous skin tumor diseases treated by plastic surgeons, along with cysts. It can occur on various parts of the body as a soft fatty lump or mass. Since it is a benign tumor, it often grows gradually.
Causes of Lipoma
Lipomas are caused by the proliferation of mature fat cells. However, the causes and mechanisms are still not clearly understood.
Symptoms of Lipoma
You may feel a soft lump under the skin. It can occur anywhere in the body, but is relatively common on the back. It is a slow-growing harmless tumor. It is rarely painful, but as it grows, it may seem to interfere with physical movement and may cause nerve compression. Angiolipomas are lipomas containing a lot of blood vessels which can be painful.
Treatment for Lipoma
Lipomas are surgically removed. Small tumors are removed under local anesthesia. Larger ones may require general anesthesia. If it occurs in a deeper location, such as in the muscle, the patient may be referred to a university hospital. In rare cases a liposarcoma, which is similar to lipoma may develop and in such cases, the patient will also be referred to a university hospital.
Surgical Procedures
1Consultation, Examination, Diagnosis
A medical interview, examination, inspection, palpation and ultrasound are performed to check the lumps. Some patients may also undergo CT or MRI at a medical facility prior to surgery. After explaining the treatment and receiving your consent, you will undergo the surgery.
2Local anesthesia and surgery
Local anesthesia is administered and once effective, a skin incision is made. The incision is kept to a minimum and the tumor is removed from the subcutaneous tissue. After the tumor is removed, it is sutured and a drain (thin tube) may be inserted to prevent blood and other substances from accumulating in the cavity after removal. The drain is removed several days after the surgery.
3Suture removal and postoperative follow-up
Patients will return to the clinic the following day for observation. Postoperative visits will vary depending on the conditions of the patient. Stitches will be removed approximately one to two weeks after the surgery. After the surgery, you will be asked to refrain from bathing, drinking and exercising as bleeding is likely to occur. You may shower the next day.
4Pathological Examination
Tumors removed by surgery are examined by pathology before a final diagnosis is made. Approximately one month after the surgery, the patient will return to the clinic for a follow-up visit. At that time, the results of the pathological examination will be explained. Also during the return visit, we will also check to see if the wound has healed properly.