Life gets busy, and it’s not always easy to find time to take care of everything on your to-do list. That can be especially true when it comes to health issues that aren’t causing symptoms.
Take lipomas, for example. These benign soft tissue tumors might not be painful, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set aside time to have them checked.
At Surgical Associates of North Texas, we can determine if that lump you noticed is something to be concerned about. Scott A. deVilleneuve, MD, has helped many residents of McKinney, Texas, and surrounding areas decide on a treatment path for lipomas and many other soft tissue issues.
Here’s what you need to know about lipomas and when to come in for a thorough diagnostic exam.
A lipoma is a slow-growing soft tissue tumor. Around 1 in 1,000 individuals will eventually develop at least one lipoma. All lipomas are composed of fat, and some types contain fibrous tissues or blood vessels.
These lumps most often grow just beneath the surface of your skin. They can feel rubbery and move easily when you touch them. Anyone can develop a lipoma, but women are more likely to experience them than men, and most people notice lipomas between the ages of 40 and 60.
Here are some of the more likely locations of lipomas:
It isn’t always clear what causes lipomas to grow, but there appears to be a genetic component. If you have a close family member who has lipomas, you have a higher-than-average risk of developing one yourself.
There are certain health issues that can cause lipomas to develop. In many cases, the formation of one or more lipomas is the first sign of the underlying condition.
One such condition is Dercum’s disease, also called Anders’ syndrome. It’s rare and causes painful lipomas to develop on the trunk, arms, or legs.
Madelung’s disease is another example. This condition most commonly develops in men who consume high amounts of alcohol. It can lead to multiple lipomas around the shoulders and neck.
Again, most lipomas are not harmful. A certain type of lipoma called angiolipoma contains blood vessels and can be painful. There is also a type of cancer called liposarcoma, which has the same appearance as lipomas.
While these conditions are rare, it’s important to have any new or unusual lumps checked to be sure there’s no cause for concern.
If you have a lipoma that’s painful or unsightly, removing it is definitely an option. A simple surgical procedure called minimal excision extraction is the best approach. These procedures are done on an outpatient basis. Depending on the size and location of the lipoma, they can sometimes be removed using only local anesthesia, with larger lesions requiring a more involved general anesthetic.
We understand that life can be hectic, and there isn’t always a lot of free time to work with. But if you notice a lump or other abnormality in your skin, it’s worth the effort to make time for a diagnostic exam.
Our team at Surgical Associates of North Texas can check your skin and other soft tissues to determine if treatment is necessary. Appointments don’t take long, and we do everything in our power to get you back to your day as quickly as possible.
When you’re ready to book a visit at our McKinney, Texas, office, feel free to give us a call. We also offer an online booking option, giving you the means to check appointment availability any time of day.
