What is the Difference Between Lipoma and Cancer?

Is It a Lipoma or Cancer? Learn How to Distinguish

If you have ever felt a soft lump under your skin, you might have wondered whether it is serious. In many cases, such lumps turn out to be soft, fatty growths called lipomas. They are usually harmless. However, lumps can also be an early indication of cancer.

Therefore, knowing the difference between the two is necessary. Let us break it down in simple terms.

Key Differences Between Lipoma and Cancer

Here are the main differences between the two conditions:

What is a lipoma?

A lipoma is a common, benign or non-cancerous tumour composed of fat tissue that typically forms just beneath the skin. These growths are usually soft to the touch, movable, and generally painless, often appearing on the torso, neck, upper arms, shoulders, or thighs.

Lipomas tend to grow slowly, and most remain relatively small, usually less than 2 inches in diameter. While the exact cause is often unknown, genetics can be a factor, and they are most frequently diagnosed in middle age.

Treatment is generally not necessary unless the lipoma becomes painful, grows significantly, restricts movement, or causes cosmetic concern. In such cases, simple surgical removal or liposuction are common and effective treatment options.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a broad term for a group of diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells. These cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissues.

Unlike normal cells, cancerous cells ignore signals to stop growing and dividing, and they can also spread to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a process called metastasis.

This unregulated proliferation often leads to the formation of masses called tumours, though some cancers, like leukaemia, do not. Generally, genetic mutations are the underlying cause of this abnormal cell behaviour, disrupting the normal cell cycle and its regulatory mechanisms.

When to see a doctor?

Not every lump is a cause for concern. However, you should see a doctor if:

• The lump is growing quickly.
• It feels hard or is not moving
• You experience pain, swelling or skin changes around the lump.
• You notice unexplained weight loss or fatigue.
   

Your doctor may suggest a physical exam, ultrasound, MRI or biopsy to understand what the lump is. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue and testing it in a lab.

Getting a medical opinion can help avoid confusion and ensure you receive the correct treatment.

It is easy to confuse lipomas with cancer, especially if you are not familiar with the signs. Lipomas are usually harmless fatty lumps, while cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Both conditions differ in their behaviour, risk and treatment.

If you ever notice a lump on your body, do not panic. Most lumps are not dangerous, but a timely visit to the doctor can clear your doubts. Remember, early detection is always better than late worry.