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Overview
Lipomas are slow-growing and painless.
Cysts can become red and painful if infected.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayRed, hot, painful lump with fever.
See a doctor soonLump that's growing, hard, or larger than 2 inches.
Causes
Causes include lipomas and cysts.
OwieClear has pages on 3 conditions that can cause soft, squishy lump that moves under the skin. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Lipoma (fatty lump)Often treated at home
A soft, squishy, painless lump of fat under the skin that moves when you press on it.
Less likely causes
- CelluliteOften treated at home
Dimpled, lumpy skin on the thighs, hips, and buttocks.
- LiposarcomaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
A cancer of fat cells deep in the body, most often in the thigh or the back of the belly (retroperitoneum).
What you can do at home
- Watch for changes.
Medicines
Removal if bothersome.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Changes
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
- Ultrasound if unclear
Prevention
Not preventable.
- Get changes checked
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.