Lipomas are slow-growing, fatty lumps that can form between the skin and underlying muscle layer. They are typically small, doughy in texture, and move easily under pressure. Lipomas usually occur during middle age and are generally harmless. While most of the risks associated with lipomas have to do with their association with other disorders, some people just want to get rid of lipomas for aesthetic reasons.
Located in Windermere FL, Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center is committed to providing patients with both expert advice and thorough, effective care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment.
Diseases Associated with Lipomas
While lipomas can occur independent of other medical problems, they are sometimes associated with greater medical disorders that have the potential to be life-threatening. These include:
- Adiposis dolorosa. This syndrome is characterized by general obesity, painful folds of fatty tissue, and multiple lipomas. The causes of this syndrome are unknown but are thought to be associated with pressure on the nerves, nervous system dysfunction, fat tissue dysfunction, and trauma.
- Cowden syndrome. A rare autosomal dominant disorder, Cowden syndrome is characterized by the growth of hamartomas, or non-cancerous tumor-like growths, on the skin, mucous membranes, thyroid gland, and breast tissue. Individuals with this disorder are more likely to develop breast, thyroid, uterus, and kidney cancers.
- Gardner’s syndrome. This disease is characterized by the formation of multiple polyps in the colon, with tumors also growing outside of the colon. Osteomas, or the formation of new bone on a piece of old bone, also tends to form on the skull.
It’s important to keep in mind that even if you have lipomas, it’s likely that you don’t have any of these diseases. But if you do find that some of your symptoms line up those characterized by either Adiposis dolorosa, Cowden syndrome, or Gardner’s syndrome, it’s important that you consult a health care professional as soon as possible.
While lipomas on their own are always non-cancerous, they can sometimes be mistaken for liposarcoma, a form of cancer within the fatty tissue. This confusion underscores the importance of professionally diagnosing these growths, even if you are not interested in removing them.
Removing Painful or Aesthetically Unappealing Lipomas
Even though the overwhelming majority of lipomas are medically harmless, many people have them removed because of the pain that can accompany them and their unattractive appearance. A quick visit to Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center can allow Dr. Hudgens and her expert medical team to officially diagnose your skin growth as a lipoma, and begin to explore the most effective treatment options for its removal. They can be removed surgically, or through the use of steroid injections or liposuction techniques.
If you have a lipoma that you would like diagnosed or removed, don’t hesitate – contact Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center today.