A lipoma (or wen) is a benign tumor that develops from adipose tissue. These soft and mobile fat formations are located under the skin and can occur on any part of the body. Lipoma does not penetrate the surrounding organs; as it grows, it only spreads the tissues. The tumor itself is located in a membrane called a capsule, which separates it from the surrounding tissue.
The causes of the formation of adipose tissue are not fully understood, but it is assumed that this may be a blockage of the sebaceous ducts or a violation of the metabolism. Factors contributing to the formation of lipomas can be: environmental pollution, poor lifestyle, malnutrition, mechanical irritation. For example, a lipoma on the back of movers or porters may well be a consequence of the specifics of their work.
Most often, lipomas appear at the age of 30-50 years and mainly in women. They are usually located on the back of the head, trunk, mammary gland, forearms, shoulder blades, in men - sometimes on the face, less often - in the lung, in the retroperitoneal or perinephric tissue. Sizes can range from a small pea to a baby’s head size (giant lipoma). Basically, these tumors are asymptomatic, although they can become painless due to proliferation and pressure on the nerve endings and tissues around them.
Lipomas on the back of small sizes can be detected by chance, when feeling. This is explained by the fact that it does not cause pain or discomfort, is not striking. To the touch, the tumor is elastic, painless, soft, easily shifted. The shape is oval or round, having a clear outline. Intramuscular (intramural) lipomas are characterized by the absence of clear boundaries. The color of the skin of a wen does not differ at all from its neighboring areas. With deep-lying formations, it is difficult to establish a diagnosis. In such cases, histological examination is required . For additional examination, X-ray diagnostics, computed tomography and ultrasound are also used.
Lipomas cannot be cured with medication. It is impossible to remove or treat them yourself, since there is a high probability of mistaking a malignant tumor for a lipoma and if ointments or lotions are used uncontrollably, you can increase its growth. In adipose tissue of large sizes, malnutrition of tissues occurs, which leads to ulceration of the skin, corroding of blood vessels and putrefactive decay.
The only way out is surgery or laser therapy. Laser lipoma removal is the most gentle method, very effective and efficient. The wen removed in this way does not recur. The wound heals quickly and does not leave a scar or scar, which makes laser surgery very popular on exposed parts of the body, especially on the face.
Lipoma on the back can be removed by liposuction - that is, elimination of fat through small (0.3-0.5 cm) incisions using vacuum suction, as well as through a small puncture, after which there is practically no trace.
Lipomas on the hands, as well as in other places on the body, may not bother a person for a long time, but besides a visible cosmetic defect, there is a possibility of their growth to large sizes. In case of injury, such lipomas can develop into a malignant variant - liposarcoma.
So that a lipoma on the back or any other neoplasm does not cause concern about its origin, you should consult a doctor. Only a specialist with sufficient experience and based on appropriate tests is able to diagnose a lipoma and suggest treatment options for each specific case.