What is Lipoma?
A lipoma is a benign, slowly expanding fatty tissue lump often growing under the skin. Lipomas move easily under pressure and are soft to the touch, despite being generally harmless. They are the most prevalent form of soft tissue tumor, usually discovered in the thighs, back, shoulders, or neck. They are identified to be linked to genetic factors, even though the precise cause is unknown. However, lipomas are often pain-free, their size or location may make them uncomfortable. Surgical removal is not necessary unless symptoms, rapid growth, or aesthetic concerns arise.
If you have this condition and looking for lipoma treatment in Kolkata, book your appointment with the healthcare professionals at The CMRI.
Types of Lipomas
Benign tumors produced from fatty tissue, or lipomas are categorized into different types based on unique features:
- Superficial lipomas: They are easily palpable and often move under the skin's surface.
- Deep lipomas: These can attach to muscles and are situated farther below the surface, making them potentially complex to discover.
- Soft lipomas: This is the most common type and is usually smooth and easily movable.
- Fibrolipomas: These masses may feel firmer to the touch and are determined by the existence of fibrous tissues.
- Angiolipomas: These are lipomas that contain fatty tissues and blood vessels causing pain in addition to their typical lack of it.
- Pleomorphic lipomas: These lipomas are often seen in older adults commonly containing a combination of fat and other tissues.
Symptoms of Lipoma
Here are lipoma symptoms that require medical attention and treatment as needed:
- Soft, Fatty Lump: Lipomas are often soft, rubbery lumps and are painless to touch.
- Slow Growth: They often enlarge in size slowly and without discomfort, as they develop older.
- Easily Movable: Since lipomas are not secure to deeper tissues, they are easily movable under the skin with light pressure.
- Variable Size: Based on an individual, they can differ in size from tiny nodules the size of peas to larger masses.
- Diversity of Location: The neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, or thighs are common sites for lipomas to occur.
Causes of Lipoma
There are different lipoma causes identified by healthcare professionals which include:
- Genetic Predisposition: The risk of growing lipomas increases because of inherited genetic conditions, such as familial multiple lipomatosis.
- Adipose Tissue Overgrowth: When adipose (fat) tissue develops unnaturally, fatty cells build up and cause lipomas to grow.
- Age and Gender: Adults between the ages of 40 and 60 are more vulnerable to developing lipomas affecting men and women equally.
- Trauma: Trauma or injuries to the body often cause lipomas to develop in the affected area.
- Underlying Health Conditions: A higher chance of lipoma growth is linked to several medical conditions, such as adiposis dolorosa and Gardner syndrome.
Complications if Lipoma is Left Untreated
It is important to be mindful of the possible risks when treating a lipoma because overlooking treatment leads to complications according to the best lipoma treatment in Kolkata. Here are some of them:
- Increased Size: Over time, lipomas may get bigger which is discomforting or unsightly.
- Pressure on Neighboring Tissues: Large lipomas keep putting pressure on adjacent blood vessels or nerves leading to discomfort or restricted blood flow.
- Risk of Infection: If the skin around the lipoma is damaged or compromised, there is a high probability of infection.
- Cosmetic Impact: Uncontrolled growth causes noticeable physical changes lowering a person's self-esteem.
How is Lipoma diagnosed?
A systematic method is required for the accurate diagnosis and proper management of lipomas. Here is how the best lipoma treatment in Kolkata initiates the diagnosis of Lipoma:
- Physical Examination: Doctors usually conduct a comprehensive physical examination, feeling the lump to determine its characteristics.
- Medical History: Understanding the patient's past medical conditions assists in determining the type and extent of the lipoma.
- Imaging Studies: To see the size, location, and makeup of the lipoma, ultrasound or MRI scans are recommended.
- Biopsy: In extreme cases, a biopsy is required to verify the diagnosis and rule out cancer.
Advanced Treatments for Lipoma Removal
Treatment for lipomas usually involves several removal-oriented options, the choice depends on the patient's preferences, the size, and the location of the tumor. Here is the treatment commonly recommended by the best lipoma treatment in Kolkata :
- Excision Surgery: Under local anesthesia, the lipoma is surgically removed which is often the most recommended approach.
- Liposuction: It is a less invasive procedure initiated by making a small incision to suction out the fatty tissue.
- Steroid Injections: In severe or rare cases, injecting steroids leads to swelling and causes the lipoma to shrink.
- Laser Lipolysis: The size of the lipoma is reduced with the use of laser therapy to break down the fat cells.
Recovery after Lipoma treatment
Recovery after lipoma treatment is often fast; the exact time frame depends on the method of removal chosen. Pain medication is usually involved to relieve patients' mild discomfort and swelling that may happen after excision surgery for some time. Recovery time from liposuction and other less invasive procedures is comparatively shorter than other treatment options. After treatment, the majority of patients can get back to their regular activities, and any persistent soreness or bruises go away in a week. Following the instructions for post-operative care given by the best lipoma treatment in Kolkata ensures a simple and uneventful recovery process.
Why should you choose CMRI Kolkata for Lipoma treatment in Kolkata?
The Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is one of the largest multispecialty hospitals in Kolkata. Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, revolutionizing the healthcare industry for the best surgical outcomes. In addition, CMRI has several eminent specialists, doctors, and healthcare providers of national and international reputations for comprehensive and personalized treatment. CMRI provides patient-centric care and empathy from internationally trained nurses to ensure holistic patient care. Here are a few advantages of choosing the CMRI for the best lipoma treatment in Kolkata:
- Highly qualified and experienced doctors
- 440-bed capacity along with cutting-edge technology and the latest medical equipment
- Hygienic and patient-friendly infrastructure
- Thorough screening and diagnosis
- Transparent Pricing Structure for cost-effective treatment
- Patient-centric, high-quality care for a high success rate
- Pain management and palliative care
- Complete and coordinated care for patients
