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Caution: more rarely, the development of a neural fibrolipoma (also called fibrolipomatous hamartoma) can be observed, which corresponds to the development of a lipoma in a nerve, causing pain and paresthesia – tingling… Even more rarely (in less than 1% of cases), the lipoma develops in a joint (especially in the knee) and the pain is then mechanical: it occurs during movement.
Can a lipoma be a malignant tumor (cancer)?
A lipoma is defined as a “non-cancerous tumor of soft tissue,” so there’s no need to panic. However, a consultation with a dermatologist is necessary if the lipoma becomes painful, changes in appearance (if it grows, changes color, or becomes deformed, for example), becomes hard to the touch, or becomes mobile (if it “rolls” under the fingers) or immobile (if it feels “stuck” to the tissue). Lipomas only become cancerous in very rare cases!
Between the thighs, hands, arms… How and why remove this fatty lump?
Surgical treatment for lipoma removal.
Sometimes, for reasons unknown, a lipoma disappears on its own. Even though lipomas are usually painless, patients may wish to have them removed if they are aesthetically displeasing, especially if they are several centimeters in size. There are three possible treatments for lipomas:
A lipectomy, or surgical removal of the mass, is performed. The lipoma is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Liposuction is also possible, but it carries a higher risk of recurrence.
If surgery is not feasible, corticosteroids can be injected directly into the lipoma to gradually reduce its size.
Essential oils, sage, honey… Can it be gotten rid of naturally?
After confirming with a doctor that they do indeed have a lipoma, the patient can consider other treatment methods. Liver detoxification is recommended alongside these treatments .
Atlas cedarwood essential oil: it is lipolytic, meaning it has the ability to promote the breakdown of fat. It can be combined with rosemary, ravintsara, and Italian helichrysum essential oils in a 10% dilution with a carrier oil. This preparation should then be applied directly to the lipoma with a cotton swab, repeating the process two or three times a day for two weeks.
A honey poultice: honey is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a mixture of equal parts honey and flour directly to the lipoma, then cover it with a bandage, leaving it in place for 24 hours before repeating the process until the mass disappears.
A sage ointment: simply mix one teaspoon of dried sage with three tablespoons of linseed oil. The preparation should then be applied directly to the lipoma. However, be aware of possible interactions between flaxseed oil and certain medications, particularly anticoagulants and those for high blood pressure. It is important to consult a doctor before using it.
Your questions, our answers:
Which specialist should I consult for a fatty lump under the skin?
The diagnosis must be made by a general practitioner or a dermatologist, who is the only one qualified to determine if the lump is a lipoma. They may request a biopsy to ensure it is not a malignant tumor.
Subcutaneous lipomas and lipomatosis… What are the different types of lipomas?
There are different kinds of lipomas, but the most common is the subcutaneous lipoma, which forms a lump under the skin: this “fat lump” results from the multiplication (and proliferation) of adipose tissue, whose role is to store fats in the body.
Back, thigh, arm, scalp, neck, stomach… Where can a lipoma be found?
Lipomas – that is, “fatty lumps” – can be located anywhere on the body: scalp, back, breast, arm or forearm, neck, and even on the face. The term lipomatosis is used when a person has several lipomas on their body.
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