Lipoma is a common, benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of fat cells that grows slowly beneath the skin. It is soft, movable, and usually painless, making it one of the most frequently encountered lumps in adults. Lipomas can occur anywhere in the body where fat cells are present, but are most commonly found on the shoulders, back, neck, arms, thighs, and abdomen.

A lipoma typically feels doughy or rubbery when touched and moves easily under the skin. Most lipomas are small, ranging from 1 to 3 centimeters, but some can grow larger. They usually do not cause any symptoms unless they compress nearby nerves or tissues, which may lead to mild pain or discomfort.

The exact cause of lipomas is not fully understood, but genetic factors play a major role. Lipomas can run in families, and certain conditions like familial multiple lipomatosis cause multiple lipomas to form. They are more common in middle-aged adults and may also develop after minor injuries, though this link is not always clear.

Doctors usually diagnose a lipoma by physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests like ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and differentiate it from other growths such as liposarcoma, a rare cancerous tumor that resembles a lipoma but grows rapidly and is painful.

Most lipomas do not require treatment if they are small and symptom-free. However, people often seek removal for cosmetic reasons or if the lipoma causes discomfort, pain, or restricts movement. The most effective treatment is surgical excision, where the lipoma is completely removed. This ensures it does not return. Other options include liposuction, in which the fatty tissue is suctioned out, though this may not remove the entire capsule.