Introduction
Lipomas are benign tumors that develop from cells of fatty tissue (adipocytes). They are therefore also called adipose tissue tumors. They are among the most common benign soft tissue tumors of the skin.
Lipomas occur in the subcutaneous fatty tissue located directly under the epidermis and dermis. Therefore, they are usually palpable and visible under the skin. Lipomas are most frequently found on the arms, stomach, back or legs.
However, lipomas can also occur in internal organs such as the liver or heart. Another localization site is the face, where lipomas are mainly found on the forehead or at the transition between forehead and hairline. Rarely, a localization in the mouth, on the tongue or on/behind the eye is also possible.
Causes
Lipomas are a familial occurrence of the disease lipomatosis. The formation of adipose tissue tumors (lipomas) occurs at various locations on the body. Otherwise, the cause for the development of lipomas is largely unknown.
Symptoms
A small lipoma is usually not yet noticeable because it is asymptomatic, causes no pain at first and is often not yet visible under the skin. Lipomas are usually only noticeable when they become visible under the skin and, above all, palpable. Over time, the lipomas can increase in size.
The growth can last up to several years, but can also be faster. With increasing size, lipomas not only become visually disturbing, but can also lead to a displacement of the surrounding tissue. This is particularly problematic if the lipoma presses on nerves or blood vessels.
(see: Pain with a lipoma)Overall, however, lipomas on the forehead are relatively harmless. Less harmless are lipomas on the face, which originate from the fatty body of the orbit. As they grow, they can displace the eyeball and lead to a protruding eye and visual disturbances.
However, their localization in the orbit is rarely found. If localized in the mouth area or even in the oral cavity, the lipoma can become disturbing when chewing or speaking. Small lipomas normally cause no pain.
Pain only occurs when the lipoma increases in size and presses on a nerve. When pressure is applied to a facial nerve, the lipoma can cause unpleasant pain in the forehead or facial area. At times, pain can also be caused by the growth of the lipoma. Mostly these are as described above.
