$Unique_ID{BRK00659}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{What is a Lipoma Tumor?}
$Subject{lipoma fat tumor}
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is a Lipoma Tumor?


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QUESTION:  On my recent visit to my doctor I discovered a soft, spongy lump on
my shoulder blade.  The doctor called it a lipoma tumor.  He said they were
generally benign, but this was sort of large.  Can you tell me more about this
condition?  Just the word "tumor" terrifies me.

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ANSWER:  It is very apparent that you can do with some simple explanations, to
help deal with your anxiety.  Let's start with the word "tumor."  Doctors use
this term to describe many types of growths which occur in the body, not all
of which are cancerous.  It's important to understand, therefore, that tumor
does not mean cancer and merely means a swelling or new growth of tissue.  If
this growth is non-cancerous, the tumor is labeled benign.  Now let's look at
the word "lipoma."  Since many types of growths can occur within the body, we
attempt to identify the kind of tissue that forms the tumor.  If the tissue is
made up of fat cells (adipose tissue), we give the tumor the name "lipoma,"
just another word that signifies fat.  In essence, a lipoma tumor is a small
collection of fatty tissue which has created a lump or bump someplace in the
body.  For the most part, they are totally insignificant and never change into
cancers or cancer-like growths.  When they become too large and get in the way
of some of our normal functions or they are in a place that makes them
unsightly and cosmetically unacceptable, they can be removed surgically.  At
any rate, this is one of those times when the name of the condition sounds far
worse than the condition in itself.  Your physician was correct in reassuring
you.  Now with this explanation in hand, you can put all your fears to rest.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
