Lipomas can form on any part of the body. Lipomas on the forearm are identified as a soft mass with a doughy texture to the touch; they are usually slow-growing benign tumours that do not present any symptoms (asymptomatic).
However, an angiolipoma is most commonly found on the forearm. Angiolipomas differ from lipomas due to their anatomy. Angiolipomas contains more blood vessels than regular lipomas, and they are more likely to cause pain.
Angiolipomas are relatively common, making up an estimated 5 to 17 per cent of all lipomas but similar to other forms of lipomas; they are non-cancerous.
Due to the lump’s nature and location, they would require surgical removal or treatment to excise the mass for aesthetic purposes. Lipomas on the forearms are also recommended to be treated should they cause pain or discomfort due to their anatomical structure.
What Causes Lipoma on the Forearm?
The causes of a lipoma are not known. Research shows that lipomas are more prevalent in areas of the skin that may have sustained substantial impact from physical trauma. While it may be unclear as to whether the trauma would cause a lipoma to form, genetic factors are another possible cause of developing lipomas.
Records have shown that people can inherit a faulty gene from their parents that can cause the development of one or more lipomas. This rare condition is known as familial multiple lipomatosis, suggesting that genetic factors could be a cause.
Lipomas have also been observed in people to develop more frequently in people with certain medical conditions, such as:
Gardner’s syndrome
Cowden syndrome
Madelung’s disease
Adiposis dolorosa
Can A Lipoma Cause Pain In the Forearms?
A person with a lipoma will usually notice a lump that is soft to the touch just beneath the skin. Lipomas usually do not cause pain unless the nature of their anatomy affects the joints, organs, nerves, or even blood vessels.
In most cases of lipoma, they are asymptomatic and will only grow in size gradually.
How Is A Forearm Lipoma Diagnosed?
Skin lipomas are diagnosed during a physical examination done by your doctor. However, your doctor may want to remove it to ensure the growth is not cancerous.
A small tissue sample (biopsy) of your lipoma is required to be taken in some cases. This sample is then sent to the laboratory for testing and will help rule out any possibility of cancer or a liposarcoma, which is malignant.
When you have a skin condition that you are unsure of, seeking medical advice would be the most sensible option to identify if your condition is a lipoma or something more serious. Lipomas may look very similar to a liposarcoma, which is a cancerous condition.
How Do You Get Rid Of A Lipoma On The Forearm?
A lipoma that is left alone usually does not cause any problems. However, it can be excised if the lump bothers you. Seeking a specialist’s advice in this field will allow you to receive the best treatment recommendation based on a variety of factors, including:
The size of your lipoma
The number of skin tumours you have
Your personal and family history of skin cancer
Whether the lipoma is painful
Surgery
Lipomas can sometimes grow back even after they have been surgically removed. Lipomas are typically treated by removal through surgery. This may be especially useful if you have a large skin tumour that is still growing.
Such procedures are conducted in the doctor’s clinic or outpatient surgery centre. The surgeon will start by injecting a local anaesthetic around the lipoma before making an incision in the skin to remove the growth. The incision will then be closed with stitches.
For lipomas that are in areas of the body that cannot be reached through an incision, they may need to be removed in the operating theatre under general anaesthesia. This procedure is known as an excision.
Liposuction
Liposuction is another treatment option. Since lipomas are fat-based, this procedure may be effective in reducing its size. Liposuction involves a needle attached to a large syringe. The area is usually numbed prior to the procedure.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections may also be used directly on the affected area. This treatment can shrink the lipoma, but it does not remove it altogether.
How Much Does Lipoma Surgery Cost?
The cost of removing a lipoma can range from $1,000 to $2,000 at the private hospital according to MOH’s Historical Transacted Bill Sizes and Fee Benchmarks. However, this is before taking into account your insurance (e.g MediShield Life) or MedSave payouts, so it may vary.
At G&L Surgical Clinic, we understand the concern about the cost of lipoma surgery.
We strive to provide transparency with our fees and charges, while also helping you make an informed decision about what course of action will be best in your situation before any procedure begins so there aren’t surprises later down the road!
Consider lipoma surgery to help you achieve peace of mind and regain confidence.
At G&L Surgical Clinic, we provide you with the financial counselling necessary to understand the costs involved in getting your lipoma treated.
Why Choose Us For Your Lipoma Treatments In Singapore?
Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Having had adequate experience in performing lipoma removal surgeries for numerous patients for many years in Singapore.
Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly and adequately trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our lipoma treatments, procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.
Organise a consultation with our surgeons for further assistance on lipoma treatments in Singapore.
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