Lipoma

Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow under your skin. They're harmless and don't usually need any treatment.

Check if you have 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
• aren't usually painful
• often appear on your shoulders, chest, arms, back, bottom or thighs
• grow slowly

See a GP if:

• you get a lump anywhere on your body
• your lump is painful, red or hot
• your lump is hard and doesn't move

Your GP will usually be able to tell if the lump is a lipoma. If there is any doubt, they may refer you for a scan to check it out.

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

Getting a lipoma removed

Lipomas are harmless. They are not usually treated on the NHS.

You can pay a private clinic to remove a lipoma but it may be expensive. Your GP can give you advice about where to get treatment.