Patient guide
Lipoma removal: soft fatty lumps and when to have them taken out
By the SkinOps team · Updated · 1 min read
Based on information from the NHS website. This guide is waiting for review by a clinician and is not medical advice.
A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that grows under the skin. They are harmless and most never need treatment. People often find one by chance, perhaps on a shoulder or the back, and understandably want to know what it is.
What a lipoma feels like
- soft and squishy to the touch
- anything from the size of a pea to a few centimetres across
- moves slightly under the skin when you press it
- not usually painful
- grows slowly
Lipomas can appear anywhere on the body. Common places are the shoulders, chest, arms, back, bottom, thighs and forehead.
Always get a new lump looked at
Most lumps under the skin are harmless, but in rare cases a lump can be a sign of something more serious. That is why it is worth seeing a GP about any lump, and especially if it:
- is painful, red or hot
- feels hard and does not move
- is getting bigger
- lasts more than 2 weeks
How a lipoma is diagnosed
A GP can usually tell a lump is a lipoma just by looking at and feeling it. If they are not sure, they may arrange a scan.
Does a lipoma need to be removed?
Usually not. Because lipomas are harmless, the NHS only removes them if one is growing, or causing symptoms because of where it is.
When a lipoma is removed, the tissue is sent to a laboratory to confirm what it is.
If you would like a lipoma removed and the NHS will not do it, private removal is an option, although it can be expensive. It is worth getting a clear quote after a consultation, and asking what aftercare is included.