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Lipoma

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Lipomata are the commonest benign tumours.

They occur in adults with approximately equal incidence in males and females, although females present more readily for cosmetic reasons.

Lipomata are common on the trunk and shoulder but are not found on the palm of the hand or the soles of the feet.

Lipmomata may be found "beneath everything". That is, they are found at all tissue planes:

  • subcutaneous (the most common)
  • subfascial
  • subperiosteal
  • subperitoneal
  • submucosal
  • subpleural

Treatment is for cosmesis and consists of local excision.

Some individuals have multiple subcutaneous lipomata; a biopsy may be required to exclude neurofibromatosis in such patients.

The patient with multiple, tender lipomata may have Dercum's disease.

A rare complication of lipomata is a liposarcoma.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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