Lipoma

A lipoma is a round or oval-shaped lump of tissue that grows just beneath the skin. It’s made of fat, moves easily when you touch it and doesn’t usually cause pain. Lipomas can appear anywhere on the body, but they’re most common on the back, trunk (torso), arms, shoulders and neck.

Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumors. They grow slowly and are not cancerous. Most lipomas don’t need treatment. If a lipoma is bothering you, your healthcare provider can remove it with an outpatient procedure.

How common are lipomas?

Lipomas are very common. About 1 of every 1,000 people has a lipoma. Lipomas appear most often between ages 40 and 60, but they can develop at any age. They can even be present at birth. Lipomas affect people of all genders, but they are slightly more common in women.