A lipoma is a harmless lump of fat that grows in soft tissues, commonly found under the skin of the upper body, arms, or thighs. It’s the most frequent type of tumor beneath the skin, occurring in about 1 in 1,000 people.
Lipomas are usually small (less than 2 inches wide), soft, and doughy, moving easily under finger pressure. They are typically painless but can cause discomfort if they press on nerves or contain blood vessels. Lipomas grow slowly, remain in one spot, and have a thin fibrous covering.
If lipomas do not cause any symptoms, they can be left untreated. They can be surgically removed if they cause pain or cosmetic concerns.