Lipomas

3 min read·Last updated: 2026-01-29·Reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS

At a Glance

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) lump of fatty tissue that grows just under the skin. Lipomas are very common, affecting approximately 1 in every 1,000 people. They are typically soft, doughy to the touch, and move easily when pressed. While lipomas can occur anywhere on the body, they most commonly develop on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs. Most lipomas are painless and harmless, requiring no treatment. However, if a lipoma causes discomfort, grows, or is cosmetically bothersome, it can be surgically removed.

Lipomas are very common, affecting approximately 1 in every 1,000 people[1]
Lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) and typically do not require treatment unless bothersome[2]
Lipomas tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic component[1]
Lipomas rarely return after complete surgical removal[3]
Lipomas have a slightly higher incidence in males and are most often noted between ages 40-60[4]

Symptoms

Soft, doughy lump under the skin
Easily movable with slight finger pressure
Rubbery texture (not hard)
Usually painless
Typically less than 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter
May be painful if pressing on nerves
Slow-growing over years

When to Seek Professional Care

Any new lump or swelling anywhere on your body
A lump that is growing or changing
A lump that becomes painful
A firm or hard lump (unlike typical soft lipoma)
Multiple lumps appearing rapidly
Cosmetic concerns about the lump's appearance

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Causes

Genetic predisposition (tends to run in families)
Inherited conditions that cause multiple lipomas
Exact cause of individual lipomas unknown
Trauma may occasionally trigger formation

How We Can Help

We offer a service to help manage this condition: Lipoma Removal.

Prognosis

Excellent prognosis as lipomas are benign
Lipomas rarely return after complete surgical removal
Another lipoma may develop in a different location
No transformation to cancer (liposarcoma is a separate condition)
Same-day outpatient procedure for removal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign lump of fatty tissue that grows just under the skin. They are soft, doughy, and move easily when touched. Lipomas are very common, affecting about 1 in 1,000 people, and are not cancerous. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the neck, shoulders, back, and arms.

Are lipomas dangerous?

Lipomas are not dangerous. They are benign (non-cancerous) growths that rarely cause problems. Lipomas do not transform into cancer. However, any new lump should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

When should I see a doctor about a lump?

See a doctor if you notice any new lump or swelling, a lump that is growing or changing, a lump that becomes painful or feels hard (unlike typical soft lipomas), or if multiple lumps appear rapidly. While lipomas are harmless, it's important to have any new growth properly diagnosed.

How is a lipoma removed?

Lipomas can be removed through surgical excision, where the entire growth is cut out. This is typically an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. Minimal excision extraction may result in less scarring. Liposuction is sometimes used for larger lipomas. Most removals are straightforward with quick recovery.

Do lipomas come back after removal?

Lipomas rarely return once completely removed. However, if you've had one lipoma, you may develop another one in a different location on your body. Complete surgical removal of the entire lipoma typically prevents recurrence in that same spot.

Does a lipoma need to be treated?

Most lipomas don't require treatment if they're small, painless, and not bothersome. Removal may be recommended if the lipoma is painful, pressing on nerves, growing larger, or causing cosmetic concerns. The decision to remove is often based on personal preference.

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