The exact cause of lipomas is unknown. However, lipomas have a genetic predilection, so often occur in those with a positive family history. Sudden injury to a body part can induce a spontaneous cell growth, resulting in a trauma-induced lipoma.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

As lipomas grow very slowly over several years, they usually develop unnoticed until they achieve a larger size. Most often, they affect the neck, the shoulders, the arms and the trunk, nonetheless can appear everywhere on the body where the subcutaneous fat tissue is present. They are convex, above the surface of the skin, often dome – or egg – shaped, of soft, smooth and even doughy consistency. Since they consist of subcutaneous lipids (fats), they are easily moved under the skin with one’s fingers. The skin surface above them remains unchanged. They do not cause any systemic symptoms, like fever or chills, but eventually some localized pain can be felt when applying lots of pressure.