Lipomas are benign tumors which typically develop in subcutaneous tissues. They are most often found in the neck, head, back, and shoulders. They may occur in patients at any age but tend to be more prevalent in those aged 40-60. Lipomas that have clustered occur more frequently in men, whereas single lipomas are more common in women. Most lipomas are benign and unnoticed, appearing as soft, round and soft, doughy masses. In most instances, the tumors aren’t painful, and they should not leave without treatment. However, if the lipomas are painful or grow too quickly and become too large, they need to be removed. Feel free to contact professional lipoma removal in London to get the consultation.
Medical Conditions Caused by Lipoma
Certain medical conditions or events may have a link with (or increase the likelihood for) lipomas. Some of them are:
Increased Obesity
Suppose a person has built up significant body fat. This could increase the risk of developing lipomas, particularly if they have additional risk factors.
Hereditary Transfer
Lipomas have been reported to pass down through generations and are characterized by multiple lipomas over the abdomen, arms or legs.
Injuries
Injuries directly impact specific areas of the body. Research suggests that having the blunt force of the soft tissue of a particular area such as being hit or hitting hard on a specific place–may increase the chance of developing lipomas.
Diabetes
A chronic disease manifests abnormally elevated glucose (or glucose) levels because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. It can also cause other illnesses that are related to lipomas, like Madelung’s disease.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is also known as hyperlipidemia. High cholesterol refers to a health issue in which there is an unusually high quantity of fats, also known as cholesterol, in the blood. Lipomas are more prevalent in people with high cholesterol than those with cholesterol levels within the normal range.
Adiposis
A condition in which the folds or lipomas of tissues of fat apply pressure to nerves, which can cause pain. It is most common among overweight or obese women who are between 35 and 50.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Familial adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is a medical condition where patients with the disease develop tumors, polyps, and lipomas, among other symptoms and signs. People suffering from Gardner disorder have a higher probability of establishing FAP-related cancers, specifically within and around the colon.
Multiple Symmetric Lipomatosis
Multiple symmetric lipomatosis is a disorder that is characterized by the growths in the upper region of our body, including the neck, shoulder, arms, and chest. The majority of patients are middle-aged males of Mediterranean descent who have a history of chronic or heavy alcohol consumption.
Lipoma Excision Procedure
Marking and Anaesthesia
Before performing a surgical lipoma removal, the surgeon will outline the patient’s skin to indicate the tumor site. The doctor then gives anesthesia in a dose of 2 to 3 percent lidocaine and epinephrine concentration. Next, the blotchy skin is cleaned with povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine.
Small Excision
If the lipoma is small and small, the surgeon will create an excision of 3mm-4mm within the skin to create a curette within the wound. Utilizing the curette, the surgeon will separate the lipoma from the surrounding tissues and then enucleate it through the cut. Since the incision is small, sutures aren’t required, and the surgeon can apply an ointment to seal the wound.
Large Excision
If the lipoma is huge, the surgeon will have to create a more extensive incision (usually less than a tad more significant than that of the lipoma) positioned to follow the tension lines of the skin. The hemostat, as well as an Allis clamp, is then utilized to offer skin pressure. Through the opening, the surgeon will cut through the subcutaneous fat with a scalpel to get at the tumor beneath, keeping clear of blood vessels and nerves within the region. When the wound is extensive, the surgeon will end the procedure by securing the injury to close the incision.
Follow Up Check-Up
The doctor may ask the patient to return 2-7 days after the procedure to examine the surgery area. If the sutures aren’t absorbable, they are removed seven to 21 days following the process, based on the location where the cut was created.
Non-Surgical Method
There are non-surgical, minimally-invasive techniques that can get rid of lipoma. One of the most commonly used minimally invasive methods is liposuction, where an incision is made within the area surrounding the lipoma to utilize the probe of liposuction and then suction out the masses of fat tissue. The most appealing aspect of this method is that the cut for the procedure can be further away from the lipoma to hide. Therefore, it is the recommendation for those with facial lipomas. However, the possibility of leaving fat-filled cells behind is what makes the procedure less effective.
The location of your lipoma, as well as your expectations regarding the procedure, will help you determine which method is most suitable for you.
Conclusion
Lipomas are benign fat tumors that may appear in the skin. They usually do not cause pain and don’t require any treatment. However, a physician can surgically or non surgically remove a lipoma when it causes discomfort or other symptoms or if a person is looking to eliminate it for cosmetic reasons.
