COMMON SOFT TISSUE LUMP
Lipoma
A slow-growing, soft, non-cancerous lump made up of fatty tissue — usually painless and movable beneath the skin — that may need removal for cosmetic, functional, or diagnostic reasons.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Lipoma
A lipoma is a benign, slow-growing soft tissue tumour made up of mature fat cells, usually felt as a soft, movable lump just beneath the skin. Lipomas are non-cancerous and most commonly appear on the back, shoulders, neck, arms, abdomen and thighs. They are typically painless, but may need removal if they grow larger, cause discomfort, restrict movement, press on a nerve, or appear cosmetically unacceptable. Some patients have multiple lipomas (lipomatosis), which can run in families. While the diagnosis is mostly clinical, ultrasound or sometimes MRI is used for larger or atypical lumps. Treatment is usually simple excision under local anaesthesia, though minimal-incision and liposuction-assisted techniques can be considered for larger or cosmetic cases. Dr. Tejasree Vengala offers safe, neat removal at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Genetic predisposition and family history of lipomas
- Familial multiple lipomatosis in some patients
- Minor trauma or injury triggering lipoma formation
- Metabolic conditions and hormonal influences
- Increasing age — more common in adults aged 30–60
- Certain rare syndromes associated with multiple lipomas
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Solitary lipoma or Multiple lipomas (lipomatosis).
Open Excision, Minimal-Incision Extraction, Liposuction-Assisted Removal.
Lipomas are benign; rapid growth or hardness needs evaluation to rule out liposarcoma.
Most patients resume routine activities within 2–3 days.
Minimal-incision and liposuction techniques offer the best cosmetic outcome.
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Lipoma Excision (Open Removal)
Dr. Tejasree Vengala performs lipoma excision under local anaesthesia as a quick, safe day-care procedure. The lipoma is removed completely along with its capsule through a small, well-placed incision, ensuring minimal recurrence and a neat scar. Most patients return to routine activities within 2–3 days.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Tejasree examines the lump and confirms it as a lipoma clinically. Ultrasound or MRI is used for larger, deeper or atypical lumps.
- 2
Treatment Planning
Based on size, depth, location and cosmetic concerns, the most suitable technique is chosen — open excision, minimal-incision, or liposuction-assisted removal.
- 3
Procedure
Removal is performed under local or short anaesthesia, usually completed within 20–45 minutes. The lipoma is sent for routine biopsy when needed.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Patients are usually discharged the same day. Suture removal and wound check are scheduled at routine follow-up over 1–2 weeks.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Lipoma Excision (Open Removal)
Standard surgical removal of the entire lipoma along with its capsule — the most reliable technique with a very low recurrence rate.
Minimal-Incision Extraction
Removal of the lipoma through a small incision using gentle squeeze technique — better cosmetic outcome for select small to medium lipomas.
Liposuction-Assisted Lipoma Removal
Lipoma is broken up and suctioned through a tiny incision — used for larger, soft lipomas, especially in cosmetically visible areas.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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