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Lipoma : What It Is, Why It Develops, and Whether It Can Turn Cancerous

2 months ago

Could you please explain a little about lipoma? What is a lipoma, how does it develop, and is it true that lipoma can become cancerous?

Asked By Keshav | Male | Age 36

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2 months ago

Answers (1)

Dr. Prateek Thakur

M.B.B.S, M.S. (General Surgery), M.Ch. (Plastic Surgery), DrNB (Plastic Surgery) | 16 Years Experience Overall

Answered 04/12/2025

A lipoma is basically a swelling made up of fat, or a fatty lump, that is commonly found just under the skin. Since fat is present throughout our body, a lipoma can develop almost anywhere sometimes between muscles and sometimes even beneath the muscles. Lipoma is a very common condition, but many people feel anxious or scared when they notice it.

My advice is that if you are worried about any lump, you should always consult a doctor before proceeding with any treatment. Medically, lipoma is described as benign, which means non-cancerous. A lipoma does not turn into cancer, nor is it cancer itself.

However, it is important to remember that any lump in the body should be observed carefully over time. Certain warning signs should not be ignored, such as if a swelling that was present for a long time suddenly starts growing rapidly over the last few months, becomes painful, feels stuck to surrounding tissues, develops discharge, pus, or ulcers, or shows any unusual changes.

In such situations, it is important to visit a doctor for proper evaluation and timely treatment.

Early consultation prevents surgery in many cases!

Early consultation prevents surgery in many cases!