Lipomas, also known as fatty tissue tumors, are among the most common tumors of soft tissue and are almost always benign. They occur mainly on the trunk, arms and legs. In the vast majority of cases, lipomas remain asymptomatic and are only discovered by those affected when they are large enough to be palpated through the skin.
Only when the soft tissue tumor presses on sensitive structures, such as superficial nerves on the forearm, can pain or feelings of pressure be observed. Why lipomas ultimately develop is not yet clear. However, a considerable genetic factor is suspected, since fat accumulations are often observed in families.
If the benignity of the lipoma has been established beyond doubt and the person affected has no complaints, there is in principle no need for surgical removal. Painful, very large or aesthetically disturbing fatty tissue tumors can be removed by a specialist in a minor operation. The latest techniques, such as lipolysis (“fat-away injection”, injection lipolysis) also promise quick and uncomplicated success.
Causes
As already mentioned, the exact cause is largely unknown. In addition to family history, women are more often affected than men. Contrary to widespread opinion, our body weight has nothing to do with the formation of lipoma.
Special forms
When affected persons suffer from numerous lipomas, one speaks of “lipomatosis“. Depending on the type, different parts of the body are covered with countless fat nodes. For example, in the case of lipomatosis type I. I., shoulder girdle and arms are particularly covered by lipomas.
Another special form is “Lipomatosis dolorosa” (Dercum disease). Characteristic are sometimes very painful, numerous fat nodules. Even the slightest touch or pressure causes extreme pain, which increases as the disease progresses. Lipomas are found on the abdomen, buttocks and the sides of the upper arms. Extremely rarely, lipomas can degenerate and become malignant soft tissue tumors (“liposarcoma“).
Symptoms
- Pain: Lipomas rarely cause subjective complaints. However, if they grow into deeper tissue and compress muscles, nerves or blood vessels, pain is possible. On our arms, especially the forearms, fatty tissue and nerves are close together.
Thus, larger lipomas can easily press on sensitive skin nerves, such as the nervus radialis ramus superficialis. The irritation of the nerve sends signals to the brain and the affected area is painful. Since skin nerves of the forearm also supply large parts of the hand sensitively, pain radiating to the fingertips is also possible.
There is usually more fatty tissue on the upper arm, so that nerve structures have sufficient space. Only when the lipoma increases in size can pain occur. More about the topic: Pain with a lipoma
- Sensations of discomfort: Occasionally, adipose tissue tumors can also cause sensations.
In the case of unfavorable localization, or increasing size on the forearm, sometimes even slight pressure on nerve structures is sufficient to trigger a “tingling” or “ant-running” in the fingers. In addition, cold or warm sensations are also possible.
- Psycho-social problems: Lipomas in the head area, but also in slightly exposed areas, such as the forearm, often represent a psychological burden for those affected. It is often perceived as an aesthetic flaw. In the worst case, patients feel shame or disgust and withdraw from their social environment.
