Have you noticed a soft, painless lump under your skin?
It could be a lipoma, a benign fatty tumour that may not cause immediate harm but can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
Have you noticed a soft, painless lump under your skin?
It could be a lipoma, a benign fatty tumor that may not cause immediate harm but can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
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A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) lump made up of fatty tissue that grows just beneath the skin. It typically feels soft and moves easily when pressed. Lipomas are usually painless and slow-growing, ranging in size from small pea-sized lumps to larger masses. While they can develop anywhere on the body, they are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs.
Types of lumps/ lipoma
Lipoma
Definition
Benign (non-cancerous) fatty tissue growth under the skin.
Texture
Soft, rubbery, and movable when pressed.
Growth Rate
Slow-growing.
Common Locations
Neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs.
Symptoms
Usually painless, but can cause discomfort if pressing on nerves or growing large.
Causes
Exact cause unknown; may be hereditary.
Risk
Non-cancerous and rarely turns malignant.
Size
Can vary from pea-sized to several centimeters in diameter.
Cysts
Definition
A closed sac or capsule-like structure filled with fluid, pus, or other material.
Texture
Typically soft or firm, depending on the contents.
Growth Rate
Sebaceous cysts, epidermoid cysts, ganglion cysts.
Common Locations
Can form anywhere on the body, commonly on the skin or tissues.
Symptoms
Often painless, but can cause discomfort or pain if infected, inflamed, or located near sensitive areas.
Causes
Blocked glands, infections, or injuries; some are genetic or related to underlying medical conditions.
Risk
Typically benign, but can become infected or rupture, requiring medical attention.
Size
Varies from very small to several centimeters in diameter.
Warts
Definition
A small, rough growth on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Texture
Typically rough, raised, and can vary in size.
Growth Rate
Common warts, plantar warts (soles of feet), flat warts, filiform warts, genital warts.
Common Locations
Can appear anywhere on the body, commonly on hands, feet, face, and genital area.
Symptoms
Usually painless, but plantar warts can cause discomfort when walking; some warts may itch or become irritated.
Causes
Infection with certain strains of the HPV virus, usually through skin-to-skin contact or contaminated surfaces.
Risk
Generally harmless, but can be persistent and may recur after treatment.
Size
Varies from very small to several centimeters in diameter.
Lipoma
Definition
Benign (non-cancerous) fatty tissue growth under the skin.
Texture
Soft, rubbery, and movable when pressed.
Growth Rate
Slow-growing.
Common Locations
Neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs.
Symptoms
Usually painless, but can cause discomfort if pressing on nerves or growing large.
Causes
Exact cause unknown; may be hereditary.
Risk
Non-cancerous and rarely turns malignant.
Size
Can vary from pea-sized to several centimeters in diameter.
Cysts
Definition
A closed sac or capsule-like structure filled with fluid, pus, or other material.
Texture
Typically soft or firm, depending on the contents.
Growth Rate
Sebaceous cysts, epidermoid cysts, ganglion cysts.
Common Locations
Can form anywhere on the body, commonly on the skin or tissues.
Symptoms
Often painless, but can cause discomfort or pain if infected, inflamed, or located near sensitive areas.
Causes
Blocked glands, infections, or injuries; some are genetic or related to underlying medical conditions.
Risk
Typically benign, but can become infected or rupture, requiring medical attention.
Size
Varies from very small to several centimeters in diameter.
Warts
Definition
A small, rough growth on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Texture
Typically rough, raised, and can vary in size.
Growth Rate
Common warts, plantar warts (soles of feet), flat warts, filiform warts, genital warts.
Common Locations
Can appear anywhere on the body, commonly on hands, feet, face, and genital area.
Symptoms
Usually painless, but plantar warts can cause discomfort when walking; some warts may itch or become irritated.
Causes
Infection with certain strains of the HPV virus, usually through skin-to-skin contact or contaminated surfaces.
Risk
Generally harmless, but can be persistent and may recur after treatment.
Size
Varies from very small to several centimeters in diameter.
That small lump may seem like no big deal now, but what happens if it keeps growing?
The larger it becomes, the more noticeable and bothersome it gets, making you self-conscious or even irritating rubbing against clothing.
How is lipoma removed?
Surgical Removal
Excision: The most common treatment for lipomas. A doctor makes an incision to remove the lipoma completely. This option is effective for larger or symptomatic lipomas.
Liposuction
A less invasive option, liposuction uses a needle and suction to remove the fatty tissue. This option leaves a smaller scar but may not completely remove the lipoma, increasing the chances of recurrence.
Over-the-counter creams, home remedies, or ignoring the issue won’t make a lipoma disappear.
Only a proper medical approach ensures complete removal and long-term relief.
Dr Lee Chin Li
Director, Consultant & General Surgeon
MB BCh BAO, LRCP & SI (NUI), IMRCS (Ire), MMED (SURG), FRCS (Ed)
Spoken languages
English | Mandarin | Bahasa/Melayu | Hokkien | Cantonese
Dr Lee’s precise surgical skills have helped numerous patients achieve relief from conditions like lipomas. His careful approach to minimally invasive removal techniques ensures both effectiveness and aesthetic results, allowing patients to return to their routines with confidence. Patients value his patient-focused care, as he tailors each treatment to minimise discomfort and optimise recovery.
20+ Years of Experience
Skilled in Lipoma Removal Procedures
insurance
Lee Surgery and Endoscopy was founded by Dr. Lee Chin Li, with the mission to deliver accessible and quality healthcare to our patients. We are committed to ensuring your comfort from consultation to procedures.
Any other questions?
Talk to us! Drop us a message here :
- Gleneagles Medical CentreLee Surgery and Endoscopy 6 Napier Road, #04-16, Singapore 258499
- Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard)Dr Lee @ KYM Surgery3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-01, Singapore 228510
- Farrer Park Medical CentreDr Lee @ KYM Surgery1 Farrer Park Station Road, #13-05, Singapore 217562