Lipoma in the breast
definition
A lipoma is a benign fat tumor that develops from the fat tissue or fat cells (adipocytes). It is usually enclosed in a capsule made of connective tissue and thus well separated from the surrounding tissue.
Lipomas belong to the group of soft tissue tumors. They are usually located in the subcutaneous fatty tissue directly under the skin or also subcutaneous (sub: below; kutis: skin). However, sometimes they can also be localized in internal organs or muscles. There, too, they merely represent a benign growth of the fatty tissue.If several lipomas appear on different parts of the body at the same time, this is called lipomatosis.
causes
The causes are responsible for the development of lipomas so far unexplained. A connection to Lipid metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus or one Hypercholesterolemia (increased cholesterol levels) could not yet be scientifically proven.
As part of certain hereditary diseases can Lipomas occur, but then mostly distributed over the whole body, such as with the Lipomatosis dolorosa or the Neurofibromatosis. In contrast to lipomas, which occur in isolation, lipomas in these diseases are usually painful or are associated with further complications.
frequency
Exact numbers for that Frequency of appearance of lipomas does not exist, but it is a fairly common occurrence. It is estimated that two to three people per 100 people are affected. These are usually between 30 and 60 years old. Come in with children Lipomas not often.
Most frequently are Lipomas Localized in the head and neck area, followed by the trunk area such as the shoulder, back, flanks or stomach, and isolated lipomas also often occur on arms and legs. At Women after menopause can Lipomas in the chest too occur. At Men comes that Lipoma in the chest Although it occurs much less often, it is also possible in principle.
Overall are Men are slightly more affected than women, if you have the Total lipomas considered. Certainly an exception Breast lipomas because men naturally do this too less adipose tissue own as women.
Symptoms
Mostly wise Breast lipomas no particular symptoms. They are merely as Lump under the skin palpable and usually soft and movable. They usually prepare no pain. Only in certain situations such as direct application of pressure or certain movements where that Lipoma stretching or pressing can cause discomfort.
- Lipoma symptoms
- Pain from a lipoma
diagnosis
The Size of lipomas in the breast can vary widely, the longest diameter can be between one and more than ten centimeters. But mostly they are Lipomas under five inches tall when they are discovered and grow very slowly.
Depending on the size, the respective one turns out to be Palpable findings. When touching a bump under the skin for the first time, a doctor should be consulted promptly in order to clarify this and, if necessary, one malignant tumor exclude to be able to. The doctor then assesses the tumor based on certain criteria like that Movability, consistency or delimitation from surrounding tissue and may prompt additional imaging. This can be done using ultrasound or an X-rayadmission or even using magnetic resonance (MRI) - or Computed Tomography (CT) can be performed. The ultrasound particularly shows lipomas in the subcutaneous fatty tissue that are not very deep. If so, the doctor can use this method Lipoma distinguish well from other cyst-like tumors.
If the findings cannot be clearly diagnosed using imaging either, a Tissue sample can be taken from it in order to be able to assess it precisely under the microscope. This is the procedure by which one can judge the malignancy of the tumor with absolute certainty.
Is this Lipoma in the breast localized, there is also mammography as a possible diagnostic method. Breast lipomas are mostly the same completely removedin order to minimize the risk of a malignant tumor from the outset.
therapy
The ordinary lipoma does not require any further therapy. Only if it disturbs the person visually, is located in a part of the body where it causes pain or is very large, it can surgically removed become.
Other methods like Change in diet, massage or special Creams have not been scientifically proven to prevent the formation of lipomas or to remove them.
Is that Lipoma in the subcutaneous fatty tissue it can mostly in local anesthesia be cut out by a surgeon. In this case, only a small skin incision is made over the fatty tumor, this is pressed out and then the overlying skin is sutured again.
It is also useful to have one after the operation Printing compound to put on for a few days. However, this type of operation usually leaves a scar, which may be more visible than the original one Lipoma.
Another method that can be used on smaller lipomas is this Suction or Liposuction. While this leaves smaller scars, it is more difficult to remove all of the lipoma tissue. If a residue of a lipoma remains in the body, the risk of a recurrence, i.e. a recurrence of a lipoma at this point, is increased.
For particularly large lipomas that are deeper or even in the abdomen, one is usually required Operation under general anesthesia.
As with any other operation, there are certain risks and complications that can arise for minor procedures under local anesthesia. On the one hand, this includes one possible bleeding, injury to nearby structures, or infection of the wound. However, if the procedure is carried out under hygienic conditions and by an experienced doctor, the overall risk of the complications mentioned is relatively low. In the case of an operation under general anesthesia, additional factors must be taken into account, but these should be clarified again in each individual case.
forecast
Lipomas usually have one very good prognosis. They just degenerate a lot rarely in malignant tumors and due to their small size and slow growth they are usually not associated with any further impairments. However, if they are visually disruptive, you can Lipomas can usually be removed completely without any problems and in a very small, usually outpatient procedure.
Breast lipomas go not with an increased Breast cancerrisk hand in hand. However, if they increase in size or are perceived as annoying, they should still be removed.
