
16/04/2025
WHEN SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT A LIPOMA?
This case is all about a lipoma. The video is of a lipoma I recently excised from a patient (shared with their permission). This appeared over the last couple of months and this patient rightly came along to get it checked out. We scanned it to assess what it was before discussing options and the patient opted to have this excised. It was of course sent off to pathology to get it checked post-op as we always do.
This condition is fairly common, affecting about 1% of the adult population. They are benign lumps of fat cells under the skin most commonly seen in adults between 40 and 60 years old. These lumps are usually soft and painless and if left are usually benign.
🚩 When to check them:
1️⃣ If they start hurting or limit movement.
2️⃣ If they grow rapidly.
3️⃣ If they’re very large (over 2 inches).
4️⃣ If new ones appear, especially after age 40.
5️⃣ If they’re deep within muscles or tissues.
While most lipomas are harmless, the signs above are worth a medical checkup.