When you hear tumor, you may automatically think of cancer. But not all tumors are cancerous. A lipoma is a benign tumor made up of fat cells. These tumors take a long time to grow and do not usually cause much discomfort. Why these tumors grow is not known, but it has been theorized that a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet may be a factor.
Lipomas
Lipomas are a common tumor, affecting one out of every 100 people, according to the website Cancer Research UK. These tumors can occur in any part of your body that has fat cells. Women usually develop single tumors, while men are more likely to develop many. The exact cause of lipomas are unknown, but some people develop these tumors from an inherited gene. Weight and diet have also been implicated as potential risk factors. Lipomas are most often found under the skin and are soft to touch and easily diagnosed by your physician. In some cases an ultrasound or biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Most lipomas do not cause any pain or other symptoms and, therefore, do not always need to be removed. However, if your lipoma is growing or causing pain, your doctor may want you to have it surgically removed. Lipomas are also often removed for cosmetic reasons. These tumors do not turn cancerous, but if they change in any way, you should let your doctor know right away.
Lipoma and Diet
Lipomas primarily consist of triglycerides. Triglycerides are formed from the unused calories of the food you eat, and serve as a source of stored energy. Maintaining a healthy weight and limiting the sugar, fat and cholesterol in your diet help to keep blood triglycerides within acceptable ranges. While not proven, a diet that is high in fat and cholesterol may increase your risk of developing a lipoma, according to vascular and general surgeon Dr. Yiannis Panayiotopoulos.
Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol Diet
If you're concerned about developing lipomas because of a family history, or want to prevent a recurrence if you already have one, it certainly does not hurt for you to follow a healthy diet that limits your fat and cholesterol intake. The low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is a healthy diet that includes lean sources of meat, such as chicken and fish, plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and nonfat dairy products and healthy oils, such as olive and vegetable oil.
References
- Dr. Yiannis Panayiotopoulos; Skin Moles, Sebaceous Cysts & Dermofibroids, and Lipomas; January 2006
- Cancer Research UK: Why Do I Need My Lipoma Removed?
- University of Massachusetts Medical School; Low Fat/Low Cholesterol Diet; 2001
- MayoClinic.com; Triglycerides: Why Do They Matter?; June 2011
- "Cancer Letters"; Composition of Fat in Different Types of Lyposarcomas Compared to Lipomas; G. Knipping and H. Popper; March 1989
