Removal of moles, papillomas, lipomas, lipomas - a whim or a necessity?

Lipoma - what is it?
Lipoma is a benign fatty tumor. Lipoma can be limited capsularly from other tissue, or it can be diffusely present in tissues.

This tumor occurs in females aged from thirty to fifty years (middle age).

A tumor forms in areas of the body that are rich in adipose tissue. This can be: subcutaneous tissue, skin, adipose tissue near the kidneys, fat behind the peritoneum, muscle areas of adipose tissue, intestines, mammary gland, as well as the meninges, lungs, myocardium, bones and nerve trunks. Often the latter are formed from embryonic tissue if the tissue falls into the wrong area during formation and development.

Types of lipomas

There are several main classifications of lipomas that are actively used in medical practice. Depending on the type of tissue that is involved in the pathological process, the following types of neoplasms are distinguished:

• perineural - localized around nerve trunks;
• intermuscular – located between the muscles of the body;
• lumbosacral - grow near the vertebrae or in the spinal canal;
• soft tissues - located on the surface of the skin, less often subcutaneous;
• joints - are located in the synovial membrane or vagina of the joints.

The formation can appear in almost any part of the body and internal organs. Depending on the location of the compaction , the following types of lipomas are most often diagnosed:

• mammary gland - forms in the glandular tissue and deforms the shape of the breast as it grows;
• breasts - a soft and mobile formation that appears in the subcutaneous fatty tissues;
• head - a frequently occurring pathology, which is mainly formed as a result of insufficient hygiene;
• back - one of the most common neoplasms, characterized by extremely slow development;
• neck is a hereditary disease that, during development, can impair the airways, cause weakness and angina.

There are also other, less common places where pathology forms, which include the brain, limbs, skin, peritoneum, eyes, lips and face.

Also, these compactions are divided into two large groups: single and multiple. The first represent a single formation in any part of the body. The latter, accordingly, are characterized by multiple manifestations in different areas of the body and are much less common.

Do all neoplasms need to be examined for the presence of cancer cells and why?

It is recommended to send all neoplasms for histological examination to exclude or confirm the presence of cancer cells. Since timely detection of oncology (cancer cells) increases the likelihood of effective treatment (subsequent radiation and chemotherapy) and a favorable prognosis.

In Medical, the removal of tumors (removal of lipomas, removal of fatty tissues) is carried out using the electrosurgical method with mandatory histological examination to exclude the presence of cancer cells in the tumor. This removal method is the most rational and effective method. For example, when removing tumors using the laser method, there is no material left for histological examination, because the formation itself is removed.

During this procedure, local anesthesia is used, cosmetic sutures and an aseptic dressing are applied. In the future, periodic dressings and removal of sutures are required.

More details about the service on this problem can be found here

Causes of lipomas

Experts identify a set of prerequisites that can provoke the formation of lipomas. Among the most common:

• genetic factors, hereditary predisposition;
• disruption of metabolic processes in the body and fatty tissues;
• insufficient level of personal hygiene;
• malfunctions of the thyroid and pancreas;
• chronic pathologies that significantly affect the body’s immune forces (diabetes, hepatitis, HIV, etc.);
• dependence on alcohol, tobacco, drugs;
• poor nutrition;
• obesity, excess fatty tissue;
• injuries, damage;
• sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity.

Despite the fact that lipoma is a benign formation, there is always a risk of developing its malignant form. This probability is especially high for people who are included in the relevant risk groups: they have precancerous diseases (polyps, dysplasia), have already suffered from oncological pathologies, have a hereditary predisposition to the formation of tumors, and are under the constant influence of carcinogens, radiation and other harmful environmental factors.

What is a lipoma of the right cardiophrenic angle

The wen of the cardiodiaphragmatic angle on the right at the initial stage of development is not of diagnostic significance. However, lipomas tend to develop slowly and increase in volume. In rare cases, under the influence of any factors, the wen can begin to grow rapidly. As the tumor grows, it becomes the cause of signs of mediastinal syndrome. The pressure exerted by the formation on the organs of the middle mediastinum has a negative impact on the normal functioning of the heart, blood vessels, pulmonary arteries, and nerves of the thoraco-abdominal septum. Particularly dangerous are bilateral neoplasms that compress vital vessels and organs located in the sternum on both sides.

Symptoms of lipomas

The clinical picture of the pathology is quite sparse and is characterized by:

• the presence of a palpable formation, which is distinguished by its soft consistency, mobility, and elasticity;
• the appearance of pain due to compression of nerve trunks or growth in internal organs;
• stability of the compact size or its increase with weight loss;
• swelling of the limbs and disruption of their function (if the formation compresses nerves and blood vessels).

If a malignant process develops, general malaise and headaches appear, blood pressure rises and other characteristic symptoms of intoxication of the body appear.

In this case, depending on the exact location of the compaction, other, more pronounced symptoms and signs may occur:

• neoplasms in the esophagus cause nausea and cough;
• seals on the trachea and bronchi cause a painful dry cough that does not subside after taking antitussive drugs;
• a fatty tumor on cartilage and tendons causes pain in the joints and impedes movement;
• formation in the mammary gland provokes pain in this area;
• compaction in the kidney area causes increased blood pressure, colic and lower back pain;
• a formation in the head causes neurological symptoms – headaches, dizziness;
• lipoma of the neck is accompanied by hoarseness, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing;
• a neoplasm in the heart area causes the development of cardiac pathologies: arrhythmia, heart failure, etc.

Why do tumors need to be removed?

Recently, the percentage of malignancy (growth from a benign process into a malignant tumor) has increased significantly, so it is recommended to remove almost all neoplasms of the skin and subcutaneous fat. The absolute criteria for surgical intervention are:

— localization of the formation in the zone of constant traumatization, including elements of clothing;

- increased growth of education in a short period of time (2-3 times per month);

- appearance of inflammatory signs (swelling, redness, suppuration);

- the appearance of pain in the area of ​​education.

Diagnosis of lipomas

Since the development of a neoplasm in the body practically does not cause symptoms, the patient may not be aware of its presence for a long time. Therefore, in most cases it is diagnosed accidentally during a preventive examination or treatment of other pathologies.

If the localization of the formation allows the doctor to palpate, the specialist can determine the lipoma even during a standard physical examination. However, the placement of a node does not always allow it to be detected by superficial palpation. At the same time, quite a few dangerous diseases have symptoms similar to lipoma. Therefore, diagnostics are carried out not only to identify a neoplasm, but also to exclude other diseases and clarify the benign quality of the process.

A comprehensive examination includes a number of laboratory and instrumental examinations, the need for which is determined individually by the attending physician in each medical case:

• Blood tests. The most accessible method of primary assessment of the body’s condition. The results of the study allow us to identify the presence of pathological changes, inflammation, viruses or bacteria.
• X-ray examination. Depending on the location of the compaction, an X-ray of the chest, abdominal cavity, and extremities is prescribed. Allows you to diagnose a formation, identify its exact location, and also analyze the condition of bone tissue and structures.
• Ultrasonography. Scanning soft tissues and organs allows you to determine the size of the node, identify the clarity of its contours, and analyze the contents. Not the most informative examination method for suspected lipoma, since even in the presence of a capsule, the compaction is often difficult to visualize using ultrasound waves.
• CT scan. Allows you to establish an accurate diagnosis and distinguish lipoma from malignant neoplasms if there is suspicion.
• Magnetic resonance imaging. It is prescribed, if necessary, to evaluate the signs of compaction and distinguish it from malignant liposarcoma. Using this method, the diagnosis is established with maximum accuracy.
• Biopsy. Tissue collection from the compaction and their further cytological and histological analysis. Allows you to exclude the possible oncological nature of the pathology.

The examination also reveals the reasons that caused the formation of a compaction in the body. If other chronic diseases are a prerequisite for the development of pathology, additional diagnostics are also carried out for an accurate diagnosis and further effective treatment.

By structure

Lipomas according to these characteristics are divided into:

• Classic (there is only fatty tissue inside);
• Angiolipomas (have vessels inside);
• Hibernomas (in the fiber there are formations similar to the formations of hibernating animals);
• Myelolipomas (hematopoietic and adipose tissue are located together);
• Myxolipomas (contain mucous tissue elements inside);
• Myolipomas (muscle fibers are found together with fatty tissue);
• Fibrolipomas (there is connective and fatty tissue inside).

Lipoma treatment

The only medical treatment for lipoma is surgical removal. Clinic specialists prescribe surgery if the tumor:

• grows rapidly, involving surrounding tissues and organs in the pathological process;
• affects appearance, causes aesthetic defects;
• causes pain;
• disrupts the functioning of internal organs.

Only surgical intervention can avoid future complications and prevent the transformation of pathology into malignancy.

Depending on the characteristics of the tumor and taking into account the individual characteristics of the body, SM-Clinic doctors choose one of the most effective methods for removing the lump:

• endoscopic method - the advantage is a small incision, but relapses are possible;
• excision of the lipoma – the likelihood of relapse is almost completely absent;
• liposuction is a gentle method with a good cosmetic effect and very frequent recurrence.

SM-Clinic specialists initially conduct a comprehensive examination, after which they establish an accurate diagnosis and provide consultation regarding surgical excision of the tumor. Before removing a lipoma, specialists must provide detailed information about the possible risks of the operation, as well as the consequences of non-intervention. Interventions are performed exclusively by experienced surgeons with many years of experience.

Doctors warn that, despite the apparent harmlessness of the pathology and its benign course, it is not worth delaying its treatment. It is important to remember that along with the increase in neoplasm, the risk of developing malignant processes and the occurrence of concomitant pathologies of internal organs significantly increases.

Sources:

1. Congenital lipomas of the brain and spinal cord: clinical and MRI diagnostics. Bein B.N., Syrchin E.F., Yakushev K.B. Medical almanac, 2013
2. Accidental detection of cardiac lipoma. Alekseeva I.V., Gordova V.S. Bulletin of the Baltic Federal University. I. Kant. Series: Natural and medical sciences, 2022.
3. A rare congenital anomaly: a cerebral lipoma connecting to a subcutaneous lipoma through a defect in the frontal bone. Miloserdov M.A., Korneva Yu.S., Gelt T.D., Rudenko Y.A. Difficult patient, 2022.

The information in this article is provided for reference purposes and does not replace advice from a qualified professional. Don't self-medicate! At the first signs of illness, you should consult a doctor.

Differential analysis

When making a diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a differential diagnosis of tumor processes. List of possible diagnoses:

• lipoma;
• atheroma;
• lymphadenitis;
• liposarcoma;
• angiofibroma;
• fibrous histocytoma.

To make a final verdict, doctors use the following research methods:

• thorough medical history and palpation examination of the tumor;
• general blood and urine analysis;
• Ultrasound diagnostics;
• computed tomography of the affected area;
• tumor biopsy followed by histological examination.

Lipoma can be treated at home, but liposarcoma can only be treated in a medical facility with anti-cancer techniques.

Causes and symptoms of the disease

The reasons for the proliferation of fat cells and the formation of lipomas in the right cardiophrenic angle are not known to medicine. However, a number of factors and concomitant diseases have been noticed, against the background of which wen can form on the human body and organs:

• significant increase in body weight due to obesity;
• hereditary nature of the disease;
• changes in hormonal levels as a result of changes in the body during menopause in women;
• improper functioning of the immune system;
• age from 35 years.

Cardiodiaphragmatic lipomas increase in size slowly. In most cases, patients do not even suspect the presence of such a pathology and for many years do not feel any signs of the disease. In 80% of cases, this tumor is detected accidentally during an X-ray examination. In the image, the growth of the cardiophrenic angle appears as a darkening, which is adjacent to the heart muscle and the septum separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. This benign tumor of the mediastinum in very rare cases develops into cancer. In medical practice, there have been cases of lipoma inflammation and rupture of its capsule. Neoplasms in the right ventricle at the beginning of their development do not manifest themselves in any way. Symptoms of the disease begin to appear when the wen increases significantly. Indicators of the presence of a tumor in the cardiophrenic sinus are:

• shortness of breath;
• swelling of the neck and head;
• swelling of the arms, legs, shoulder blades;
• chest pain;
• migraine;
• dilation of veins in the neck and limbs;
• swelling of the face;
• bluish coloration of the skin and mucous membranes, which intensifies when the body is tilted.

Symptoms and its extent will depend on the size of the tumor, its location, the pressure on organs, blood vessels and aortas, as well as the number of tumors.

We recommend reading:

1. Wen in the groin of women
2. Atheroma on the neck
3. What is the difference between a papilloma and a wart?