Lipomas

Information

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour that develops in fatty tissue. It is usually felt as a soft, movable lump beneath the skin and is smooth and elastic to the touch. Lipomas can vary in size, from small nodules to larger growths. They are generally painless, but in some cases they may cause discomfort or be aesthetically bothersome, especially when located in visible areas. They may occur as single or multiple lesions and most commonly develop in areas with a higher amount of fatty tissue, such as the arms, trunk, or neck.

How Lipomas Form

The exact cause of lipoma formation is not fully known, but several factors may contribute to their development:

• Genetic predisposition
• Fat tissue disorder
• Age
• Hormonal factors – e.g. elevated estrogen levels

When to see a doctor

Lipomas usually do not require immediate medical attention, as they are typically harmless. However, there are situations in which a medical consultation is recommended:

• Rapid growth
  If you notice that a lipoma is rapidly increasing in size, you should see a doctor. Unusual growth may indicate a different type of tumour.
• Pain or discomfort
  If the lipoma causes pain, discomfort, or restricts movement, medical advice is recommended.
• Cosmetic reasons
  If the lipoma is aesthetically bothersome or located in an area where it interferes with daily life, you may consider consulting a doctor about removal.
• Uncertainty about diagnosis
  If you are unsure whether the lump is truly a lipoma, a medical examination is recommended.

Treatment options for lipoma

In general, if a lipoma does not cause any problems and is not bothersome from an aesthetic point of view, treatment is not necessary. However, if you decide to have it removed, your doctor will usually recommend surgical excision following a clinical examination. This involves removing the lipoma together with its surrounding capsule, which helps minimise the risk of recurrence.

At INTER MEDICO Clinic, lipoma excision is performed directly in our facility as part of one-day surgery.

At our clinic, we provide care beyond the scope of services covered by public health insurance. The fee for a one-time consultation, including examination and discussion of the procedure, is CZK 2,500. You can find our full price list here.

How lipoma removal is performed