Will a Lipoma Go Away on Its Own?

Michael Sutker, MD, PA Blog Will a Lipoma Go Away on Its Own?
Will a Lipoma Go Away on Its Own?

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) fatty lump usually found on the upper body, just below the skin. While it’s usually not painful or harmful, it won’t go away on its own — and it can be unsightly and sometimes, uncomfortable. Some people develop more than one.

Fortunately, you don’t have to live with an unwanted lipoma. 

At Michael Sutker, MD, in Dallas and Plano, Texas, board-certified general surgeon Dr. Sutker can diagnose and safely remove an unwanted lipoma in a simple, minimally invasive in-office procedure. Read on to learn all about these common fatty growths. 

What causes a lipoma?

About one in 1,000 people develops a lipoma. Although these fatty masses can develop at any age, they’re most common in middle age (between the ages of 40 and 60). Typical locations of these slow-developing growths include the neck, back, shoulders, abdomen, and arms. 

Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes lipomas, but they do know that such growths tend to run in families. So, if someone in your family has one, you’re more likely to develop one, too.

How do I know if I have a lipoma?

Lipomas aren’t usually painful or tender, but can cause pain or tenderness if they grow near a joint or nerve and press against it. Other identifying characteristics of a lipoma include:

Additionally, lipomas are encapsulated masses, meaning they don’t spread into surrounding soft tissues.

What should I do if I have a lipoma?

A lipoma is not cancerous or a cause for concern. However, if you find a new mass or lump on your body, you should still make an appointment with Dr. Sutker. 

Dr. Sutker will conduct a physical exam and may take a biopsy to rule out cancer or an X-ray or other imaging test, especially if the lipoma is large. An imaging test can determine if the mass is a cyst or a lipoma, and also show how deep it is.

If the lipoma is causing discomfort or you don’t like its appearance, Dr. Sutker can help. He uses the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques, which involve a simple incision and extraction, to remove the lipoma with the aid of a local anesthetic. 

Ready to get rid of an unwanted lipoma?

The bottom line? Lipomas don’t go away on their own — surgical removal is the only way to get rid of one. If you have a fatty lump on your body, we can help. Call or click online to schedule an appointment at Michael Sutker, MD, in Dallas and Plano, Texas, today.

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