What is a lipoma?

Lipoma is a common benign soft tissue tumor composed of mature adipocytes. 1. Basic characteristics: Lipomas may occur as solitary or multiple lesions, located either subcutaneously or in deep tissues of the body. They are most commonly found in middle-aged individuals. The exact cause is not fully understood, but may be related to factors such as genetics, chronic inflammation, and systemic abnormalities in fat metabolism. 2. Clinical presentation: The main symptom of lipoma is the presence of one or more subcutaneous masses, frequently occurring in areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, and proximal extremities. The masses are usually small, with a diameter mostly less than 5 cm, and have a soft, elastic texture. They are generally painless, although they may become tender during periods of active growth.