Lipoma is another name for fat tumors. These tumors usually appear on the trunk, neck, armpits, upper arms, thighs, and organs. Fortunately, these tumors are not life threatening. However, it's a good idea to learn how to recognize and treat lipomas. Therefore, scroll to Step 1.
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Method 1 of 5: Recognizing Lipoma Symptoms
Step 1. Watch out for small bumps under the skin
Lipomas are usually dome-shaped. Lipomas vary in size, but are generally about the size of a pea and about three centimeters in diameter. In certain areas of the body, such as the back, lipomas can be larger. Lipomas are formed due to the accumulation of fat cells that occur quickly in certain parts of the body.
Step 2. Know the difference between a lipoma and a cyst
Cysts have a clearer shape and denser consistency than lipomas. The size of the lipoma lump is usually no more than three centimeters. In contrast, the cyst may enlarge to more than three centimeters.
Step 3. Check the consistency of the lumps
Lipomas are usually soft; moves when pressed with a finger. This tumor is not very attached to the surrounding tissue. In other words, although it is relatively unchanged in place, the lipoma lump under the skin can be moved slightly.
Step 4. Watch for pain
Although they are usually painless (no nerves), lipomas can sometimes cause pain if they appear in certain parts of the body. If they form near a nerve and get bigger, a lipoma can press on the nerve and cause pain. Consult a doctor if you experience pain in the area around the lipoma lump.
Method 2 of 5: Watching for Lipomas
Step 1. Record the development of the lipoma lump
Take note of the first time you notice a lump. The duration of the lump's presence as well as the various changes that occur in the lump during this period is useful information for your doctor if you want the lump removed. However, lipoma lumps can continue to exist without causing any problems; Most of the patients ask for lipomas to be removed simply because they are disturbing appearance.
Step 2. Be aware of the size of the lump
Is the lump getting bigger? The longer it takes, the more likely the lump will get bigger. However, this change is relatively difficult to determine because the lipoma lump grows in size very slowly. When you first notice the presence of a lump, measure it with a tape measure so that changes in the size of the lump can be detected. If you notice that the lump is rapidly growing in size, it may not be a lipoma and you should immediately consult a doctor.
Lipoma lumps can initially be the size of a pea and then get bigger. However, the diameter of the lipoma lump is generally no more than three centimeters. If more, the lump is probably not a lipoma although it could be a lipoma
Step 3. Check the consistency of the lumps
As described above, lipoma lumps have a soft consistency and can be moved slightly; both signs are good news. Dangerous tumors, namely malignant tumors, are usually hard and immovable (does not move or sink when pressed).
Method 3 of 5: Studying Lipoma Risk Factors
Step 1. Age affects the appearance of lipomas
Lipomas often appear between the ages of 40 and 60, although they can occur at any age. In other words, people are at a higher risk of developing lipomas after the age of 40.
Step 2. Several conditions increase the risk of lipoma
There are several health conditions that can increase the chances of a lipoma forming, such as:
- Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba Sindrom syndrome
- Madelung syndrome
- Adipose dolorosa
- Cowden's syndrome
- Gardner syndrome
Step 3. Genetic factors also affect the appearance of lipomas
Research has proven that genetic factors (health conditions of family members) are related to your health. If your grandmother had a lipoma, you are also at risk for a lipoma because you inherited the gene from your grandmother.
Step 4. Obesity increases the risk of lipoma
As explained above, lipoma is a rapid accumulation of fat cells in certain body parts although that does not mean that slim and fit people are completely protected from lipomas. People who are obese have more fat cells, which increases the likelihood that fat cells will coalesce into lipomas.
Step 5. Watch for injuries from sports that involve physical contact
Players in sports that involve physical contact and are often hit on certain parts of the body are at higher risk of developing lipomas. Therefore, to prevent lipomas, the body parts that are frequently hit must be protected.
Method 4 of 5: Treating Lipomas with Home Remedies
Step 1. Use Stellaria media
Stellaria media is a small plant that is often considered a weed. Although it may creep on your rose plants, Stellaria media is effective for curing lipoma lumps. Stellaria media contains saponins, substances that can break down fat cells. Stellaria media solution can be purchased at pharmacies. Consume the solution as much as one teaspoon, three times daily, after meals.
Apply Stellaria media ointment to the lipoma lump once daily to speed up the healing process
Step 2. Use neem
Neem is an Indian herb. Include neem in your diet, or take neem supplements, to help break down the fat cells in the lipoma lump. Neem stimulates the metabolism of the gallbladder and liver, making it easier for the body to break down fat, including fat cells in lipoma lumps.
Step 3. Use flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil is high in omega-3 acids. Omega-3 acids are effective at dissolving and inhibiting the growth of fat cells in the lipoma lump. For best results, apply flaxseed oil on the lipoma lump three times daily.
Step 4. Increase consumption of green tea
Green tea contains anti-inflammatory substances that are effective in helping reduce body fat tissue. This anti-inflammatory substance indirectly affects the lipoma lump so that the lump shrinks. Drinking 240 ml of green tea daily can help get rid of, or at least shrink, the lump of a lipoma.
Step 5. Increase the consumption of turmeric
Turmeric is an Indian spice that has a high antioxidant content so it is effective in helping to reduce inflammation and prevent fat cells in the lipoma lump from multiplying. Mix turmeric with olive oil (one teaspoon each), then apply it on the lipoma lumps every day until the lumps disappear completely.
Step 6. Increase the consumption of lemon water
Lemon water contains citric acid and antioxidants, which can remove harmful substances and toxins from the body and stimulate the liver. A stimulated liver makes it easier for the body to burn fat, including fat cells in the lipoma lump.
Add lemon water to water, tea, or other drinks you consume
Method 5 of 5: Treating Lipomas with Medical Treatment
Step 1. Have a surgical operation to remove the lipoma lump
The most effective method of removing a lipoma lump is surgery. This method is usually only done for lipoma lumps measuring three centimeters. The chances of a lipoma lump reappearing after being removed are very small.
- If the lipoma is just under the skin, a small incision in the skin is enough to remove the lipoma lump. The incision wound is then cleaned and bandaged.
- If a lipoma appears on an organ (a very rare case), the surgical operation is performed under general anesthesia.
Step 2. Find out about liposuction methods
This method sucks the fat in the lipoma lump. Patients who choose this method usually want the lipoma lump removed for cosmetic reasons. This method is also effective for removing lipoma lumps that are softer than usual.
The liposuction method causes small sores that won't leave scars once they've healed completely
Step 3. Talk to your doctor about steroid injections
Steroid injection is a method of removing lipoma lumps with the least invasion. A mixture of steroids (triamcinolone acetonide and 1% lidocaine) is injected into the lipoma lump. After a month, if the lump persists, steroid injections can be given again until the lump disappears completely.
