Introduction – Types of lipomas and How to Treat Them
Do you notice an oval or round-shaped tissue mass just under the skin’s surface? It could be a benign soft tissue tumour known as lipoma. When touched, lipomas are flexible and feel rubbery rather than hard. Approximately one in every 1,000 people has a lipoma. Although they can form at any age, different types of lipoma typically manifest between the ages of 40 and 60. They might even exist from birth. It must be noted that lipomas can affect people of any gender. But compared to men, women are significantly more likely to have them. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about the different types of lipoma, the surgical procedures available for lipoma treatment, and the primary factors influencing the lipoma removal in India.
Even while lipomas usually don’t hurt, they could if they develop near a joint or put pressure on a nerve. Many lipoma patients don’t even exhibit any symptoms. Typically, lipomas are:
- Encapsulated: They remain isolated from the surrounding tissues.
- Slightly Painful: Depending on their size, location, and presence of blood vessels, some lipomas might cause pain and discomfort.
- Symmetrical shape: Typically, the fatty rubbery tissue lumps are symmetrical.
- Moveable: They move slightly beneath the skin’s surface in response to your touch.
- Size: Lipomas can occasionally exceed 6 inches in width.
Lipomas are benign tumours composed of fat cells. Although the precise cause of them is unknown, a number of factors could trigger their formation. These include-
- Genetics: A genetic component is frequently present. Since different types of lipomas can run in families, it’s possible that inherited genes contribute to their development.
- Hormonal Factors: It has been noted that changes or imbalances in hormones may contribute to the development of lipomas.
- Trauma: Although it hasn’t been confirmed beyond a reasonable doubt, some medical experts suggest that physical trauma or skin injuries may be the starting point for lipomas.
- Metabolic Factors: Although less research has been done, there may be a connection between several metabolic disorders and the emergence of lipomas.
A physical examination is the usual method used by doctors to identify lipomas. When your doctor touches the lipoma, he or she will ask if it hurts or is painful. A biopsy could be necessary to be certain that lipomas are non-cancerous in nature. Your doctor takes a sample of the lipoma during this treatment, and the sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
These are frequently misdiagnosed as cysts. Your doctor might prescribe an imaging test, such as an ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to get a clear view of this lump. Your doctor uses these imaging studies to help differentiate between a lipoma and a cyst.
What are the Different Types of Lipomas?
Conventional: Conventional lipomas are the most common type. They are made up exclusively of mature white adipose tissue, or fat cells. Extra calories from food and beverages are stored in white fat.
Angiolipoma: Angiolipomas are primarily composed of fat and many blood vessels. A common feeling associated with angiolipomas is pain or tenderness due to the presence of extra blood vessels.
Myelolipoma: Myelolipomas are composed of a combination of bone marrow-like and fatty tissue that produces red blood cells. One of the rarest types of lipomas is myelolipoma.
Fibrolipoma: Fibrous and fatty tissue are mixed in fibrolipomas. With a lot of fibrous tissue, a fibro-lipoma may appear more substantial than a hibernoma or ordinary lipoma with less fat.
Hibernoma: Brown fat, as opposed to white fat, is the hallmark of hibernomas. In addition to storing excess calories, brown fat helps control body temperature and keeps you warm in the winter.
Spindle cell: The fat cells in these lipomas are long.
Pleomorphic: The fat cells in these lipomas vary in size and shape.
Lipoma Causes & Symptoms
What are the Surgical Procedures to Remove Lipoma?
Excision is the most widely used technique for lipoma treatment. It involves making an incision over the lipoma to remove it completely. To prevent it from happening again, any surrounding tissue is carefully sidelined. The incision is then sutured closed. Typically, local anaesthesia is administered during this procedure. Because of its thoroughness, this type of lipoma surgery is frequently chosen for its effectiveness in eliminating bigger lipomas.
Liposuction: Liposuction is a viable option for certain types of lipoma, particularly those that are tiny or located in areas where a larger incision might not be feasible. A tiny incision is made, and the fat is removed by inserting a narrow tube known as a cannula.
Minimal Excision: Using this method, the lipoma is removed by making a tiny incision. Although it is less invasive than standard excision, not all types of lipomas can be treated through minimal excision, particularly larger ones.
Laser Operation: Another non-traditional method used for lipoma treatment is laser surgery, which uses lasers to destroy the fat cells in the lipoma. It is usually applied in certain situations or for aesthetic purposes.
Advantages of Lipoma Removal through Surgery
Total Excision: By removing the lipoma and its surrounding tissue entirely during surgery, the chance of a recurrence is decreased. Larger or more troublesome lipomas benefit greatly from this comprehensive approach.
Symptom Alleviation: Lipoma surgery can significantly reduce pain and enhance comfort if the lipoma is pushing on surrounding structures or causing discomfort.
Better Aesthetics: Surgical excision of lipomas that are visible, including those on the face or arms, can provide aesthetic advantages and address cosmetic issues.
Quick Recovery: After lipoma surgery, patients usually recover fairly quickly. Usually performed as an outpatient operation, many patients resume their regular activities in a matter of days.
Effective for Larger types of Lipomas: When treating larger types of lipomas that may not respond well to liposuction or cryolipolysis, surgery is frequently the most appropriate course of action.
Precision: Lipoma treatment minimizes the chance of leaving behind leftover tissue by enabling precise removal of the lipoma and helping to guarantee that it is totally removed.
Risk Prevention: Surgical excision eliminates any doubt regarding the nature of the growth, even though lipomas are usually benign. In the event that the lipoma enlarges or becomes troublesome, it can also avoid possible consequences.
Potential Risks and Complications
Infection: One risk of lipoma surgery is infection at the site of the incision. This risk can be reduced by taking proper care of wounds and according to post-operative instructions.
Bleeding: During lipoma treatment, bleeding is a possibility, however it is uncommon. Although this is usually treatable, in certain instances, further medical care may be necessary.
Scarring: The visibility of a lipoma scar varies according to the size, location, and surgical approach.
Recurrence: Although unlikely, if part of the fatty tissue was left behind after the surgery, there may be a chance for the lipoma to grow back.
Nerve Damage: There is a slight chance of nerve damage, depending on where the lipoma is located. This could cause tingling, numbness, or other feelings in the affected area.
Hematoma: A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels that may occur after surgery. Usually, surveillance is employed in conjunction with sporadic additional actions to regulate this.
How is Lipoma Removal Cost Determined in India?
The following elements affect how much will lipoma removal cost in India:
Kind of surgical procedure: Excision usually involves more cost because of the procedure’s intricacy and time commitment. Although liposuction or minimal excision may be less expensive, they may not be appropriate in every situation.
Depending on their efficiency and availability, non-traditional techniques like laser or cryolipolysis may come at a different price.
Dimensions and Site of the Lipoma: The removal of larger lipomas or those in hard-to-reach places may take longer and cost more money.
Surgeon’s Fees: The surgeon’s reputation and experience may have an impact on the cost. Surgeons with advanced training or specialization could bill extra.
Surgical Facility or Hospital: The location of the surgical hospital where the operation is carried out may have different costs.
How can mediEND help you out?
mediEND provides you easy access to advanced lipoma removal techniques for treating different types of lipoma with a treatment cost calculator which helps you to manage lipoma removal cost within your budget. They understand the importance of proper planning when you are thinking about lipoma surgery and provide you with-
- A consolidated list of hospitals and doctors near you.
- Multiple Payment Options – No Cost EMI, Health Insurance Covered
- Affordable Consultation with a dedicated team of medical experts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to remove different types of lipoma surgically is impacted by the lipoma’s size, location, and likelihood of complications. The best course of action for lipoma treatment will be determined after speaking with a healthcare professional, taking into account each person’s needs and situation.
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