Treatment of Cervical Lipoma

About the disease

Cervical lipoma is a growth of fat cells in the capsule in a cervical area. Capsules where fat cells accumulate are usually fibrous and located underneath the skin. Lipomas are usually benign and never turn into cancer. Apart from cervical lipomas, there can be accumulation of fat cells in the belly, torso, arms, and armpits. Nonetheless, lipomas can develop in practically any area of the body where fat can accumulate. Thighs and buttocks are another common areas.

Cervical lipomas are believed to run in families. They can not be caused by obesity or being overweight, despite popular beliefs. Previous surgery in cervical area or trauma can result in development of lipoma in future. Lipomas rarely grow to big sizes and are usually 1 to 3 cm in size. As a matter of fact, they can be felt right under the skin in the form of bump or unusual growth, that`s why initially they are so often mistakena tumor. The main difference between lipoma and malignant tumor is that lipoma is easily movable, as accumulation of fat cells creates soft tissue which can not be hard or solid in its structure. Lipomas may develop for many years without causing any particular symptoms. Moreover, they rarely manifest themselves as pain. Cervical lipoma can be dangerous because of its location on the neck, as in future it can create certain breathing problems, that`s why it needs to be treated upon finding. Cervical lipoma is most common in people over 30 years. It is equally common among men and women. Lipomas can be single or multiple depending on the genetic tendency of a person to develop them through his/her lifetime.  

Symptoms

• Soft bump on the neck
• Painless growth in the cervical area which is movable
• Consistency impacts breathing and restricts movements in cervical area

Diagnosis

• A general examination is usually enough to diagnose lipoma. Doctor will check growth by palpation and estimate its approximate size. He will also ask a patient if growth is painful and causes any unpleasant symptoms.
• An ultrasound and other imaging tests are primarily ordered to rule out the possibility of malignancy and to differentiate lipoma from tumor or other malignant/benign growth which could develop on the neck.

Treatment

• Surgical resection is most commonly used if lipoma causes any breathing problems or imposes danger of infection. It is also removed if it is big in size and continues to grow over a certain period of time. Lipoma is usually removed during a simple surgery, when a surgeon makes an incision, removes soft tissue with fat cells and then stitches the area. 

Authors: Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko