Introduction

Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow under the skin. They're harmless and can usuallybe left alone if they're small and painless.

Lipomas are non-cancerous (benign) and are caused by an overgrowth of fat cells. They can grow anywhere in the body where there are fat cells, but are usually seen on the:

  • shoulders
  • neck
  • chest
  • arms
  • back
  • buttock
  • thigh

They feel soft and "doughy" to touch and range from the size of a pea to a few centimetres across. Theygrow very slowly and don't usually cause any other problems.

Occasionally, lipomas can develop deeper inside the body, so you won't be able to see or feel them.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016