A lipoma is a benign tumor that originates from fatty tissue cells (adipocytes). Such a benign fat tumor is one of the most common tumors in humans, about 2 percent of all people have a lipoma. Lipomas are most frequently located in the area of the head (lipoma on the head) and neck, on the back (lipoma on the back) and on the shoulders (lipoma on the shoulders).
Other parts of the body such as the soles of the feet are less frequently affected, but in principle a lipoma can occur anywhere where there is fatty tissue. A distinction is made between superficial and deep-seated lipomas, with the superficial ones making up the greater part. A lipoma usually only occurs from the age of 50 years on, but younger people can also be affected.
Men and women are affected about equally often. A lipoma usually grows very slowly and can be felt well defined under the skin from a certain size onwards. The size of a lipoma under the sole of the foot can vary greatly. In most cases, however, a lipoma under the sole of the foot is already discovered when it is only a few millimeters in size, as an unpleasant feeling or other discomfort caused by the lipoma under the sole of the foot is quickly felt. In addition to lipomas, there are also so-called piezo nodules
Symptoms
A lipoma on the sole of the foot is usually palpable or even visible as a swelling under the skin. The benign tumor usually feels soft or prallelastic and is usually located directly under the skin. The benignity of a lipoma can be recognized by the fact that it can be moved painlessly back and forth as a node under the skin.
As a rule, a lipoma does not cause any discomfort because it is a benign tumor. Therefore, it is usually only discovered when it has reached a certain size. However, the lipoma can press on other structures and thus cause symptoms.
For example, if the lipoma is located on the sole of the foot near tendons or nerve tracts, it can cause pain or numbness. Under the sole of the foot, a lipoma can also cause discomfort when walking, as its size means that it can press on tendons or muscles in its vicinity, causing an unfamiliar feeling and possibly associated with pain. If the lipoma under the sole of the foot persists for a long period of time, it can lead to malpositioning of the foot or knee, as the foot is bent more to one side, for example.