Lipomas on the face and forehead
introduction
Lipomas are benign tumors that arise from cells in adipose tissue (adipocytes). They are therefore also called adipose tissue growth. They are among the most common benign soft tissue tumors of the skin. Lipomas occur in the subcutaneous fat tissue that is located just below the epidermis (epidermis) and the dermis (Dermis) is located. That is why they can usually be felt and seen under the skin. The most common lipomas are on the arms, abdomen, back, or legs.
Lipomas can also occur in internal organs such as the liver or the heart. Another localization point is the face, whereby the lipomas occur mainly on the forehead or at the transition between the forehead and the hairline. Localization in the mouth, on the tongue or on / behind the eye is also rarely possible.
causes
Lipomas are coming family-run under the disease Lipomatosis in front. That's where it counts various locations on the body for the formation of fatty tissue tumors (lipomas). Otherwise it is Cause of emergence of lipomas largely unknown.
Symptoms
A small Lipoma is usually not noticeable because it is symptomless, does not cause pain at the beginning and is often not yet visible under the skin.
Usually the lipomas are only noticeable when they are visible and, above all, palpable under the skin. Over time, the lipomas can grow in size. The growth can last up to a few years, but it can also be faster. As the size of the lipomas increases, they not only become visually disruptive, but can also lead to the surrounding tissue being displaced. This is particularly problematic when the lipoma presses on nerves or blood vessels. (see: Pain from a lipoma)
Overall, however, the lipomas on the forehead are relatively harmless. Less harmless are lipomas on the face caused by the fat in the eye socket (Orbit) go out.
As they grow, they can displace the eyeball and lead to a protruding eye and impaired vision. The localization in the eye socket is rarely found. If it is located in the mouth area or even in the oral cavity, the lipoma can become annoying when chewing or speaking.
You can find out more about the topic here: Symptoms of a lipoma and Pain behind the eye
Lipoma pain
Small lipomas prepare normally no pain.
Pain only occur when that Lipoma increases in size and presses on a nerve. When you press one Facial nerve, the lipoma can cause uncomfortable pain in the forehead or face area. At times, the growth of the lipoma can also cause pain.
Usually these are as described above.
Diagnosis
In addition to a clinical examination (Keys, testing the movability), also the Ultrasonic and the Puncture (histological examination of the tissue).
A resilient consistency as well as a good movability and Delimitability compared to the rest of the skin tissue is typical for the lipoma. At Localization in the eye socket can continue a MRI or CT be useful for precise position control.
Differential diagnostics
The benign lipoma must be diagnosed necessarily differentiated from a malignant liposarcoma become. A malignant degeneration of a lipoma is rare, but should especially with a rapid increase in size of the lipoma to be clarified.
The Liposarcoma comes but only very rarely in the facial area in front.
Furthermore, it must Madelung Syndrome be excluded. This is mainly characterized by symmetrically arranged lipomas in the area of the face, shoulders and neck as well as the formation of entire fat aprons. In addition, Madelung syndrome often has liver dysfunction caused by chronic alcohol abuse.
There must still be a Sebum cyst be demarcated by a lipoma.An examination by the dermatologist may be necessary for this, as the differentiation can sometimes be more difficult.
therapy
It is a benign increase in adipose tissue, however can this through a displacing growth causes pain or optically or annoying due to an increase in size be. Then one can Removal of the lipoma be considered.
Doesn't bother the lipomaso it has to not necessarily removed or treated.
Remove lipoma
There are various options for removing the lipoma: In addition to removing it through a skin incision within a surgery, the lipoma can also have a Suction of the fatty tissue removed. After examining the lipoma, the attending physician can determine which form of therapy makes sense.
Operation of the lipoma
The operation can be performed in general anesthetic, but also under local anesthesia respectively.
The lipoma is opened through a small incision and then removed. The cut is then sewn.
Overall, it's one relatively simple and uncomplicated procedure.
More difficult it will, however, if that Lipoma near major nerves lies. Then it is necessary to proceed more carefully so as not to injure the nerve.
The operation can also be more complicated if it is on or in the eye and removal must be carried out through an access point on the eye.
Advantage of surgery is a complete removal of the lipoma, since the surrounding connective tissue capsule can also be removed, while in the Lipoma suction only the fat tissue Will get removed.
Disadvantage of the operation is the possibility of one Scarringwhich can be disturbing for the patient, especially on the face. If the lipoma occurs in a place such as the forehead where the scar is considered unaesthetic, suctioning the lipoma may be considered. However, it should be noted that the danger, that this Lipoma comes back much lower with surgery than with suction.
forecast
The forecast of the lipoma is Well, one Degeneration into a malignant liposarcoma is very rarewhy the lipoma does not necessarily have to be treated by a doctor.
A Relapse after the removal is possible. The The risk of recurrence is higher after suction than after surgery, as the connective tissue capsule of the lipoma is not removed.
