Why does lipoma cause skin lumps?

A lipoma is a non-cancerous growth of fatty tissue. It is usually located in the layer between the skin and the underlying muscle, so the skin over it may look normal. The lump often feels soft or rubbery and may move slightly when pressed. It can occur on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs, or another area with fatty tissue.

Many lipomas grow slowly and cause no symptoms. Larger or deeper ones can press on nearby tissue and create tenderness, pressure, or reduced comfort with clothing or movement. A lump cannot be identified reliably by touch alone, because cysts and other growths can feel similar.

Note when you first noticed the lump, whether it changes in size, and whether it is painful or fixed in place. Avoid squeezing or repeatedly pressing it. A clinician can examine the lump and decide whether observation, imaging, or removal is appropriate. Removal may be considered when it is painful, enlarging, repeatedly irritated, or bothersome.

Have a new or changing lump assessed, particularly if it grows quickly, feels hard, is fixed to deeper tissue, causes persistent pain, or lies deep beneath the skin. Seek prompt medical attention for redness with fever, drainage, sudden severe pain, or weakness or numbness near the lump. These features need assessment rather than home diagnosis.

Ask whether the lump has the features of a lipoma, whether imaging is needed, what changes to monitor, and whether removal would leave a scar or affect nearby structures.