Lipoma

Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow under your skin. They're harmless and do not usually need any treatment, but it's important to get any lumps checked by a GP.

Symptoms of 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
• are not usually painful
• grow slowly
• can appear anywhere on your body

See a GP if:

• you get a lump anywhere on your body
• a lump is painful, red or hot to touch
• a lump is hard and does not move
• a lump increases in size

A GP will usually be able to tell if the lump is a lipoma.

If there's any doubt, they may refer you for a scan to check it.

In rare cases, lumps under your skin can be a sign of something more serious.

Getting a lipoma removed

If you have it removed it may be sent to a laboratory to check it is a lipoma.

You can pay to have a lipoma removed at a private clinic, but it may be expensive.

A GP can give you advice about where to get treatment.