Overview
They're common on the back, shoulders, arms, and neck.
A lump that's hard, fixed, fast-growing, or larger than 2 inches needs a check.
Lipomas feel soft and doughy and move easily under the skin.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Soft, movable lump under the skin
- Soft, squishy lump that moves under the skin
Less common
- Tender lump
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayA lump that becomes red, hot, and painful with fever.
See a doctor soonA lump that's growing, hard, painful, or larger than 2 inches.
Causes
Unknown; sometimes runs in families.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
- It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.
Who is more likely to get it
- Ages 40 to 60
- Family history
Diagnosis
A clinician feels the lump.
Questions you may be asked
- How long, any growth
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Ultrasound: If unclear.
Treatment
No treatment is needed.
Self-care
- Watch for changes
- Watch for growth
Surgery removes ones that bother you.
Prevention
It can't be prevented.
- There is no known way to prevent it. Early checkups help find it sooner.
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a dermatologist or a surgeon.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Adults 40 to 60: Most common.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Harmless.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
Questions to ask
- Should it be removed?
- Does it need an ultrasound?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Lipoma (fatty lump)
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.