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What Causes Lipomas On The Arm And Thigh?
Posted on
Tue, 6 Dec 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 6 Dec 2016
Answered on
Thu, 22 Dec 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : Dear Doctor,
I have skin lumps (lipoma) on my arms and thighs. what is the root cause for lipoma. Is it dangerous?. No pain occurs on those lipoma. Should I have to go treatment. If yes how can I treat.
Regards,
I have skin lumps (lipoma) on my arms and thighs. what is the root cause for lipoma. Is it dangerous?. No pain occurs on those lipoma. Should I have to go treatment. If yes how can I treat.
Regards,
Brief Answer:
exact cause is not known
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Lipomas are benign (not associated with cancer) masses that are made up of body fat.
They do not turn into cancer.
They are made up of fat cells (small amount of fat) built up to form a lump/mass and can occur in any area of the body.
Some have even been found in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) and different glands.
The exact reason that they develop is still not entirely clear.
Lipomas can be removed surgically for the following reasons: (1) when they cause symptoms such as pain
(2)growing and larger than 5 cm
(3)cosmetic reasons, if the site of the lipoma is disturbing to the person
(4)when liposarcoma (a cancer made up of fat), needs to be ruled out
Imaging such as ultrasound or CT, may be able to take a look to help determine if they are lipoma or liposarcoma , if they are large or firmly fixed to the skin.
If this is the case (they are large or very attached), doctor may also want a biopsy.
There are no medications that can be used to help treat them.
I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
exact cause is not known
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Lipomas are benign (not associated with cancer) masses that are made up of body fat.
They do not turn into cancer.
They are made up of fat cells (small amount of fat) built up to form a lump/mass and can occur in any area of the body.
Some have even been found in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) and different glands.
The exact reason that they develop is still not entirely clear.
Lipomas can be removed surgically for the following reasons: (1) when they cause symptoms such as pain
(2)growing and larger than 5 cm
(3)cosmetic reasons, if the site of the lipoma is disturbing to the person
(4)when liposarcoma (a cancer made up of fat), needs to be ruled out
Imaging such as ultrasound or CT, may be able to take a look to help determine if they are lipoma or liposarcoma , if they are large or firmly fixed to the skin.
If this is the case (they are large or very attached), doctor may also want a biopsy.
There are no medications that can be used to help treat them.
I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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