Lipoma
Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow under your skin. They're harmless and don't usually need any treatment.
Check if you have a lipoma
Lipomas are common. They:
- feel soft and squishy
- can be anything from the size of a pea to a few centimetres across
- may move slightly under your skin if you press them
- aren't usually painful
- often appear on your shoulders, chest, arms, back, bottom or thighs
- grow slowly
See a GP if:
- you get a lump anywhere on your body
- your lump is painful, red or hot
- your lump is hard and doesn't move
Your GP will usually be able to tell if the lump is a lipoma. If there is any doubt, they may refer you for a scan to check it out.
In rare cases lumps under your skin can be a sign of something more serious.
Getting a lipoma removed
Lipomas are harmless. They are not usually treated on the NHS.
You can pay a private clinic to remove a lipoma but it may be expensive. Your GP can give you advice about where to get treatment.
