adipose tissue tumor, fat, tumor, skin, adipose tissue tumor
Exclusion of a liposarcoma
However, if you have a lipoma that causes pain over a longer period of time, it is best to consult a doctor. It might not be a lipoma, but a liposarcoma, which is very similar to a lipoma, but is a malignant growth of the fat tissue cells. Although this is much rarer than a lipoma (the ratio is about 1:100), it should definitely be excluded due to its much worse prognosis. Typical features of a liposarcoma in comparison to a lipoma are, in addition to the pain caused mainly by the application of pressure, the lack of mobility of the node (since a liposarcoma usually grows together with its surrounding tissue), faster growth and appearance, especially in advanced age. In order to make a reliable diagnosis, histological examination of the tissue is always recommended, which can be obtained, for example, by biopsy or even complete removal.
Pain with a lipoma of the abdomen
A lipoma on the abdomen usually causes no pain. However, due to its anatomical location, a lipoma in the abdominal or flank area is a bit more difficult to palpate than over bony structures such as the shoulder. A lipoma is logically difficult to palpate in the fatty tissue, i.e. the abdominal fat.
Since a lipoma usually causes no pain, the patient only recognizes the tumor by chance in most cases. A lipoma can be easily moved and feels like a small lump. It is usually located subcutaneously, i.e. directly under the skin.
In individual cases, it can also grow on the muscles of the abdomen – the rectus abdominis muscle. The abdomen and flanks are among the most common sites of lipoma occurrence. A special form is formed by so-called angiolipomas, i.e. lipomas that are interspersed with blood vessels.
These have a more critical prognosis because they cause pain on the one hand and are thrombosed – i.e. congested – on the other. The blockage can, however, be released and reach the heart or lungs through the blood vessels and block the vital vessels there. This is called a pulmonary or coronary embolism.
Further complications arise when the lipoma, with increasing size, presses on large nerve tracts in the abdominal area – for example, the sciatic nerve (“sciatic nerve”). This results in loss of sensitivity in the lower extremities and pain in the back. However, the lipoma must have reached a very advanced stage to cause such symptoms.
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