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Lipoma

Last reviewed: 30 Sep 2024
Last updated: 03 Oct 2023

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • cutaneous mass <5 cm diameter
  • soft cutaneous mass
  • mobile cutaneous mass
  • superficial cutaneous mass
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • painless cutaneous mass
  • gastrointestinal obstruction
  • gastrointestinal bleeding
Full details

Risk factors

  • genetic predisposition
  • trauma
  • heavy alcohol consumption
Full details

Diagnostic tests

Tests to consider

  • ultrasound
  • MRI
  • CT scan
  • core needle biopsy
  • incisional biopsy
  • excisional biopsy
  • upper gastrointestinal contrast study
  • gastrointestinal endoscopy
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

superficial cutaneous lipoma on trunk or extremity

Dercum disease

symptomatic gastrointestinal lipoma

lipoma in atypical site

Contributors

Authors

Kimberly Moore Dalal, MD

Medical Director, Surgical Oncology

General Surgery

Mills-Peninsula Hospital

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Burlingame

CA

Disclosures

KMD is an author of a number of references cited in this topic.

Steven D. DeMartini, MD

Staff Pathologist

Oroville Hospital

Oroville

CA

Disclosures

SDD declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

​​William Tseng, MD

Associate Professor of Surgery

City of Hope National Medical Center

Duarte

CA

Disclosures

WT declares that he has no competing interests.

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