Lipomas in Boston, MA

Lipomas are growths of fatty tissues that develop under the skin. They slowly develop in people of any age, although children don't often develop them. Typically appearing on the neck, shoulders, forearms, arms, and thighs, they can form on any part of the body. While they are technically tumors, they are benign growths and are usually harmless. They may be painful when they compress nerves under the skin; otherwise, they are typically painless since they are made out of fatty tissues they move easily under the skin when touched. To have a growth of skin tested and treated, call Skin Center Boston in Boston, MA today.

The cause of lipomas is not known, however, it is thought to be somewhat genetic. Lipomas tend to form in men and women between the ages of 40 – 60. There are certain conditions that are known to increase the risk of lipomas development, such as Adiposis dolorosa, Cowden syndrome, Gardner's syndrome, Madelung's disease, and Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. Often appearing on the neck, arms, thighs, and forearms, they can sometimes occur on the stomach and back. A proper diagnosis from a skilled dermatologist, like Dr. Vladyslava Doktor, can help Boston, Natick, Backbay, and surrounding area men and women start the process of removing lipomas.

Lipomas are identified as fatty tissues under the skin. While often harmless, they can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Many people choose to remove these fatty tumors as they can be the cause of self-consciousness or embarrassment. They are largely detected by their doughy feel and that they move underneath the skin upon touch. Contact Dr. Vladyslava Doktor at Skin Center Boston for a consultation today.

Generally smaller in size — around 2 inches — lipomas are somewhat doughy feeling and tend to move under the skin when touched. Most commonly in the neck, shoulders, back, torso, arms, and thighs, lipomas can become painful but usually only if they press on a nerve or if they have blood vessels in them. Rarely serious, they can sometimes be confused for liposarcomas (cancerous tumors in fatty tissues) so a dermatologist may choose to biopsy part of the fatty tissue to be on the safe side. However, liposarcomas don't move under the skin and are usually much more painful. Dr. Vladyslava Doktor can help Boston, MA patients treat their lipomas at Skin Center Boston.

Lipomas can be diagnosed through a physical exam. In some cases, Dr. Doktor may decide to biopsy a part of the lipoma to ensure it is not cancerous. There are a few different ways a lipoma can be removed. The most common is through surgery. This is ideal for larger lipomas or where the fatty tumor is still growing. The surgery is performed while the patient is under local anesthesia. This process is the only treatment that guarantees the complete removal of a lipoma and is therefore highly suggested by Skin Center Boston. Feel free to call dermatologist Dr. Vladyslava Doktor today for more information.