Illness name: lipoma

  • Original languages: English

Description:

Lipoma

Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow under your skin. They're harmless and do not usually need any treatment.

Check if you have a lipoma

Lipomas are common.

They:

  • feel soft and squishy
  • can be anything from the size of a pea to a few centimetres across
  • may move slightly under your skin if you press them
  • are not usually painful
  • grow slowly
Lipomas usually appear on your shoulders, chest, arms, back, bottom or thighs.
Credit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/106645/view

You can also get a lipoma in other places, such as your forehead.
Credit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/259388/view

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you get a lump anywhere on your body
  • the lump is painful, red or hot
  • the lump is hard and does not move

A GP will usually be able to tell if the lump is a lipoma.

If there's any doubt, they may refer you for a scan to check it.

In rare cases, lumps under your skin can be a sign of something more serious.

Getting a lipoma removed

Lipomas are harmless. They're not usually treated on the NHS.

You can pay to have a lipoma removed at a private clinic, but it may be expensive.

A GP can give you advice about where to get treatment.

Page last reviewed: 25 August 2020
Next review due: 25 August 2023