A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of fatty tissue. The most common kind (known as "superficial subcutaneous") is located just below the surface of the skin, although lipomas are found anywhere in the body that fat is located. The tendency to develop lipomas is generally hereditary, although some doctors believe that minor injury may trigger their growth.

Lipomas are soft to the touch, sometimes moveable, and are generally painless. They grow very slowly, and have not been found to become cancerous. Often, treatment of a lipoma is not necessary, unless the tumor becomes painful or restricts movement. Many people have them removed for cosmetic reasons.

A lipoma may be removed by simple excision, but liposuction is another option that often results in less scarring.