What is a Fat Gland (Lipoma) and How is it Treated?

What is a sebaceous gland (lipoma)?

A sebaceous gland, or "lipoma" in medical terms, is a soft but usually painless mass formed by the overgrowth of fat cells in the body. In rare cases, they may be a harmful formation such as a tumor. Lipomas are usually found under the skin, under fatty tissue, but they can sometimes occur in internal organs, which can be a symptom of other conditions.

Lipomas are usually considered benign and rarely develop into a cancerous condition. They can vary in size, some can be the size of a chickpea, while others can be the size of an apple or larger. Lipomas are most often treated for aesthetic concerns, but they can also be removed as part of treatment for other conditions that may be causing the growth.

Most lipomas are asymptomatic and are usually discovered by chance. However, if a lipoma becomes too large, it can press on surrounding tissues and cause pain or discomfort. In such cases, surgical removal of the lipoma may be recommended.

What causes a lipoma?

Lipomas, or lipomas for short, are a type of soft tissue tumor that can occur in various parts of the body. Although the exact cause of lipomas is not known, several possible factors may play a role in their formation. Genetic predisposition is considered to be an important factor in the development of lipomas, meaning that people with a family history of lipomas are at higher risk of developing lipomas. In addition, obesity can also trigger lipoma formation. Since lipomas are formed by the overgrowth of fat cells in the body, factors that cause an increase in fat cells in the body can contribute to the development of lipomas. These factors can include hormonal changes, injuries or trauma, certain medications, endocrine disorders and some genetic syndromes. However, there is no single known cause.

What are the symptoms of a sebaceous gland?

The following symptoms can be observed in the formation of sebaceous glands:

A soft, mobile mass or a feeling of swelling.

A mass under the skin or under the skin.

It can vary in size, ranging from the size of a small chickpea to the size of a large apple.

It is located under the skin without a change in skin color.

It is often noticed due to aesthetic concerns.

Due to the growth, it can press on surrounding tissues and rarely cause pain or discomfort.

However, lipomas are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered by chance.

When should you see a doctor for a lipoma?

Although a lipoma is usually harmless, in some cases it may require consulting a doctor. Firstly, if the lump is growing rapidly or suddenly starts to show significant growth, this may warrant a serious examination. Fast-growing lipomas can be a sign of another underlying health problem and it is important that your doctor determines an appropriate treatment plan. It is also important to consult a doctor if the lipoma becomes painful or causes discomfort by pressing on the surrounding tissues. A painful lipoma can damage the surrounding tissues and may need to be treated.

Another situation is if your lipoma is not located under the skin but in your internal organs or nerves. Lipomas in the internal organs or nerves usually do not cause obvious signs or symptoms, but in rare cases they can lead to complications. Therefore, if you think you have a lipoma in your internal organs or nerves, it is important to contact a doctor immediately.

Finally, if you notice any changes in your lipoma or if a suspicious symptom develops, then it is important to go to the doctor. For example, if you notice symptoms such as discoloration, bleeding, hardening or inflammation around your lipoma, these may require a serious examination and it is important to contact your doctor. Any suspicious symptoms or changes can help you learn more about the condition of your lipoma and get the appropriate treatment.

How is a lipoma diagnosed?

A lipoma is usually diagnosed by physical examination. The doctor will assess the location, size, shape and consistency of your lipoma and ask questions about its symptoms. During the examination, the lipoma is usually felt as soft, mobile and painless. These characteristics help to recognize the lipoma.

In some cases, the doctor may order additional tests to confirm the lipoma or exclude other possible causes. These may include imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can help to better visualize the size and location of the lipoma and its relationship with surrounding tissues.

Rarely, the doctor may perform a biopsy to determine if the lipoma is cancerous. This procedure means taking a small sample of tissue from the lipoma and examining it in the laboratory. However, because lipomas are usually benign, a biopsy is not necessary in most cases.

As a result, a lipoma is usually diagnosed by physical examination. However, your doctor may order additional tests or if he or she notices changes in your lipoma, further examination may be necessary.

How is a lipoma treated?

A lipoma is usually a harmless condition that does not require treatment, and in many cases doctors prefer to follow it without intervention. However, surgical intervention may be considered in the case of the size, location or severity of the symptoms of the lipoma. Surgical removal is usually a simple procedure that ensures complete removal of the lipoma. This can be done for reasons such as aesthetic concerns, relief of symptoms or to prevent the lipoma from growing.