Lipomas are benign, slow-growing fatty tumors that usually lie between the skin and underlying muscle. Most cause no serious health problems, but they can be noticed or felt. Typical features include:
- Soft, doughy lump under the skin
The mass feels rubbery and easily moves with gentle finger pressure; it is usually round or oval with smooth edges. - Painless swelling
Most lipomas do not hurt, but larger ones or those near nerves may produce aching or tenderness if they press on surrounding tissues. - Small to moderate size
Common diameters are 1–3 cm; “giant” forms can exceed 5 cm and may raise cosmetic concern or interfere with clothing. - Common locations
Shoulders, back, neck, chest wall, arms, and thighs are favoured sites; multiple lipomas occur in about 5–10 % of affected people. - Slow growth then stability
Enlargement is gradual and usually stops after a period; sudden rapid increase warrants further evaluation. - Superficial mobility
A characteristic “slippage sign” is felt when the lump slides beneath the examining fingers without fixation to skin or deeper planes. - Occasional complications
If a lipoma overlies a joint or contains many blood vessels (angiolipoma), it can restrict movement or cause episodes of pain.
Any new or changing subcutaneous mass should be examined to confirm the diagnosis and exclude rarer fatty malignancies.
| Feature | Typical Findings | When to Seek Review |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Soft, rubbery, mobile | Rapid enlargement |
| Tenderness | Usually none; occasional nerve ache | Persistent pain |
| Size | 1–3 cm common; >5 cm = giant | Sudden increase |
| Number | Solitary or few; examine for familial clusters | New masses after age 50 |
| Colour | Normal skin; no ulceration | Skin changes or fixation |