Let’s be honest:
Finding a lump on your body is scary.
Even if it doesn’t hurt, your brain goes straight to the worst-case scenario.
“Is it cancer?”
“Why is it there?”
“Should I be worried?”
Here’s the good news:
If the lump is soft, moves under your skin, isn’t painful, and has been growing slowly — it’s very likely to be a lipoma. And those are harmless.
I see them all the time on my patients. They’re more common than you might think.
What Is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour made of fat tissue.
They’re soft, squishy, and usually sit just under the skin.
Think of them like little blobs of insulation your body didn’t really ask for.
They’re most common on the:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Back
- Arms or thighs
But honestly, they can show up almost anywhere
They usually grow slowly over time, don’t hurt, and can range from pea-sized to… well, more than that.
And while they feel weird, they’re very common — especially in adults between 30 and 60.
Are Lipomas Dangerous?
No.
Lipomas are not cancer.
They don’t spread. They’re not contagious. And in most cases, they don’t even need to be removed.
The only reasons someone might consider removing a lipoma are:
- It’s painful (rare, but possible if it presses on a nerve)
- It’s growing rapidly (which can warrant further investigation)
- It’s in a spot that’s uncomfortable or affects movement
- You simply don’t like the way it looks
If any of those apply, your GP can refer you for imaging or surgical removal. But otherwise?
They’re safe to ignore.
What Causes Lipomas?
We don’t fully know — but they seem to be linked to:
- Genetics (they can run in families)
- Previous injury or trauma to the area
- Age (they’re more common as we get older)
There’s no clear lifestyle cause, and they’re not linked to diet, weight, or exercise.
What Should You Do If You Find One?
First, try not to panic.
A soft, movable lump under the skin is most likely a lipoma or cyst — both benign.
But…
If you’ve found a lump, it’s always worth getting it checked — especially if:
- It’s hard or fixed in place
- It’s growing quickly
- It’s painful or warm
- You’re feeling unwell in other ways
A quick visit to your GP can confirm what it is — and help you breathe easier.
Most of the time, they’ll take one look (or maybe send you for an ultrasound) and tell you it’s nothing to worry about.
And if you’ve been cleared by your GP but you’re still feeling discomfort in that area?
We’re happy to help you figure out what else might be going on — and what can be done about it.
