Skin & Soft Tissue: Lipoma

Basics

• Benign Tumor of Adipose Tissue with a Thin Fibrous Capsule
• Most Common in the Subcutaneous Tissue
  • Can Involve Fascia or Deeper Muscle Planes
• The Most Common Mesenchymal Tumor
• Familial Multiple Lipomatosis – Genetic Condition Associated with Numerous Lipomas

Presentation

• Soft Mobile Lesion
• Can Be Round or Multilobulated
• Normal Overlying Skin
• Mostly Painless but Can Be Associated with Pain
• Most Common on Trunk and Upper Extremities
• Can be Single or Multiple

Diagnosis

• Clinical (Based on History and Physical Exam)

Treatment

• Asymptomatic: No Treatment Required
• Indications for Surgical Excision:
  • Pain
  • Concern for Malignancy
  • Patient Preference (Cosmesis)