A man has two subcutaneous tumors on his chest

Subcutaneous lipoma is a relatively common disease that can occur in both men and women. The chest is also a place where subcutaneous lipomas are more likely to develop. Subcutaneous lipoma generally does not cause symptoms of redness, swelling and tenderness, nor does it cause great discomfort to the patient, but its existence is risky, so it requires timely treatment. Below, we will introduce you to the relevant knowledge about subcutaneous lipoma.

1. Overview

Subcutaneous lipoma, also known as superficial lipoma, is a benign soft tissue tumor composed of mature adipose tissue and occurring superficially (subcutaneously). It is by far the most common mesenchymal tissue tumor. Under normal circumstances, it can occur in any part of the body where there is fat, most commonly on the back, neck, shoulders, abdomen, breasts and proximal limbs, and less commonly on the face, hands, feet and calves. It is more common in adults, especially those aged 30 to 50 years old, and is rare in patients under 20 years old. Subcutaneous lipomas can be single or multiple, and the main manifestations are local protrusions of the tumor, soft texture, no redness or swelling, no tenderness, and a certain degree of mobility.

2. Causes

The cause of subcutaneous lipoma is not fully understood. Common solitary lipoma is related to the recombination of chromosome 12. The incidence of lipoma is higher in obese people, those with diabetes and high serum cholesterol levels. Sometimes lipomas are present locally after trauma, but it is not clear whether trauma causes lipomas. Multiple patients may have a family history.

3. Clinical manifestations

It usually presents as subcutaneous, solitary or multiple, slow-growing, flat, round or lobed masses of varying sizes. In single cases, the tumor is larger and is often found on the abdominal wall, chest wall, lower back, shoulders, and neck. It is spindle-shaped or oval, with the long axis mostly parallel to the skin. Multiple lipomas are small, mostly symmetrical, slightly hard, and may be painful.

Lipoma itself usually has no subjective symptoms, but larger tumors may hinder local movement or cause pain due to nerve compression.

Lipoma can be a partial manifestation of Gardner syndrome. In addition to lipoma, patients also have multiple osteomas on the face, epidermoid cysts on the skin, multiple colon polyps, fibromas, etc. Multiple lipomas should also consider the possibility of lipomatosis. The number of tumors can range from a few to several hundred, mainly occurring in the upper body. Some patients have hyperlipidemia, and about 1/3 have a genetic tendency.

When palpated, a soft and elastic mass can be felt. It is not tender, has clear boundaries, has a false sense of fluctuation, has a certain degree of mobility when pushed, and there is usually no obvious abnormality on the surface of the skin.