If you have been confirmed as having a lipoma , then you should not be overly concerned. Lipoma is a benign tumour consisting of fatty, adipose tissue and in most instances painless and harmless. The main fear is, of course, the initial discovery of a lump and not knowing what it could be. This doubt can clearly be very difficult to cope with, so it is essential to visit a doctor as soon as possible for a thorough and proper examination and diagnosis. Lipoma lumps are generally small, although growth to a larger size can sometimes occur. Adults between the ages of 40 to 60 are most at risk from lipoma, but children have been known to be affected, although cases are not as common.
As lipoma is benign, and will not turn cancerous, lipoma treatment is not absolutely necessary. However, if the benign lipoma becomes painful, tender, infected, inflamed or enlarged, a decision may be taken to remove the lipoma surgically. The procedure is fairly straightforward, and in most cases can be carried out at the surgery under a local anaesthetic. An incision is made, the growth removed and the incision closed with stitches.
Liposuction is an alternative surgical option that may be considered. Liposuction is sometimes used on larger lipomas, and is less scarring than other options. The risk of using liposuction is that there is always the chance that the entire lipoma tumour may not be removed, resulting in lipoma regrowth.
Another lipoma treatment option is via steroids. In this case, the lipoma is injected with steroids, which causes the fatty tissue to die, leading to a reduction in the size of the lipoma lump. These steroid injections, given periodically, can eventually make the lipoma shrink away after a few weeks.
Lipoma surgery is not without potential complications. Issues may arise depending upon the size, location and the damage to any surrounding tissue.
As lipoma is a benign tumour and relatively harmless, most medical professionals will advise patients to leave it alone, and attend for regular examinations. However, not all sufferers will feel this way, especially if the lipoma becomes unsightly and embarrassing.
Lipoma surgery is not the preferred choice of everyone, but there are natural lipoma treatments available that have had some success in the prevention and growth of lipomas.
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