Homeopathic Medicine for Lipoma: Symptoms, Types & Treatment
A Lipoma is a lump or mass of fatty tissue that grows under the skin without cause. It may be one or multiple and will quickly move with touch. This lump will not feel stiff, and I would rather have a rubbery feel. Lipomas are generally harmless, painless, and don't necessitate treatment. But if they bother you or cause cosmetic issues, you can consider treatments like removal or homoeopathic medicine for Lipoma.
Overview
An overgrowth of fat cells under the skin leads to a lump called a Lipoma. It may be a round or oval-shaped mass that can grow anywhere in the body. It is composed of fat cells, so it will move quickly on touch or pressure without causing pain. The most common areas where lipomas may appear are the back, trunk, arms, neck, and shoulders.
You need to understand that lipomas are benign tumours, which means they are non-cancerous growths and thus harmless. The most common treatment for a Lipoma is to remove it surgically, and for most people, this is an outpatient procedure, considering these masses are found just under the skin.
You can also consider homoeopathic treatment for Lipoma. Like all homoeopathic remedies, treatment for Lipoma is also based on the principle of 'like cures like.' Homeopathy takes an individualized approach, which is why, for any condition, the treatment will not be the same for everyone but will be based on the particular patient's physical, emotional, and psychological state.
Homoeopathic remedies for Lipoma will be based on the characteristics of the Lipoma and the patient's symptoms. This is why you should avoid self-medication and consult a registered practitioner. The holistic nature of this practice makes it popular and can be used along with the conventional treatment of Lipoma.
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Are Lipomas common?
You will be surprised to know that lipomas are very common. Almost 1 in 1000 people will have a lipoma. Generally, the age of occurrence of lipomas is between 40 and 60. Lipomas can develop at any age, though, and sometimes can even be present at birth. Anyone can have a lipoma, but women have a slightly higher rate.
What Are The Causes of Lipoma?
Conventional or homoeopathic medicine for Lipoma is used to treat the condition but not to prevent it because the cause of these growths isn't clear. There are certain risk factors, though. If someone in your family has Lipoma, you are more likely to get it because it is inherited.
In certain conditions, multiple lipomas can grow under the skin. These conditions include:
- Dercum's disease- This is a rare disorder, also called adiposis dolorosa or Ander's syndrome. A person suffering from this disorder will have multiple painful lipomas, most often on the trunk, legs, and arms.
- Gardner syndrome- This is also known as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This disorder causes a range of symptoms like polyps in the colon, osteomas, dental problems, and many others. It can also lead to the development of lipomas.
- Hereditary multiple lipomatosis- This is an inherited disorder.
- Madelung's disease- This is a condition seen most often in men who consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Lipomas can be seen around the neck and shoulders. The disorder is also known as multiple symmetric lipomatosis.
- Cowden syndrome- Lipomas, although not the main symptom, may develop in this rare genetic disorder. The condition causes benign growth and increases the risk of some cancers.
- Some studies have hinted that an injury significantly impacting the area may also lead to the development of lipomas.
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Symptoms of a Lipoma
Any treatment, including homoeopathic treatment, for Lipoma will also focus on its symptoms. It is important to note that lipomas don't cause symptoms for most people. They can cause symptoms based on their location, like around a nerve or near a joint.
Some general characteristics of Lipoma are:
- Location- These benign growths of fat cells can grow anywhere in the body. Most people will have only one Lipoma, but others will have multiple lipomas. Most lipomas grow under the skin and can be found on arms or legs, neck, shoulders, back, chest, torso, and forehead. In rare cases, lipomas can grow on the muscles, brain, or internal organs.
- Encapsulated means these lipomas don't spread to the surrounding tissues.
- Painless- Lipomas are mostly painless but can cause pain and/or discomfort depending on their location, size, and presence of blood vessels.
- Symmetrical- These lumps are round or oval-shaped with a rubbery feel and are usually symmetrical.
- Size- Most lipomas are small, with a diameter of fewer than 2 inches. Rarely these lumps can be 6 inches wide or more extensive.
In rare cases, if the Lipoma is deep enough to put pressure on an organ, it can create symptoms. A lipoma around a nerve can cause pain or a tingling sensation. A lipoma near the bowels can cause nausea, constipation, or pain.
These are some of the risk factors for developing Lipoma
- People with a relative or a family member with Lipoma have a higher risk of developing a lipoma.
- People between the ages of 40 and 60 have a higher chance of getting a lipoma.
- Obesity is also a risk factor.
- High cholesterol.
- People with liver disease have a higher chance of getting a lipoma.
- Glucose intolerance or insulin resistance can also be a predisposing factor.
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Types of lipomas
If you are wondering whether all lipomas are the same or whether there are different types, this section will give you a clear picture. All lipomas are made of fat cells, but they may differ based on the type of fat cells, whether they contain blood vessels, etc.
These are some types-
- Angiolipoma- As the name suggests, this type of Lipoma has fat cells and blood vessels. It tends to be painful.
- Conventional- this is a typical lipoma that has white fat cells.
- Fibrolipoma- the name suggests that this type contains fat and fibrous tissue.
- Hibernoma- whereas conventional lipomas have white fat cells, this type has brown fat cells.
- Myelolipoma- lipomas of this type contain tissues that produce blood cells and fat.
- Spindle cell- these lipomas have spindle-shaped fat cells, meaning the cells are longer than wide.
- Pleomorphic- as the word suggests, this type of Lipoma contains fat cells of different shapes and sizes.
Diagnosis and treatment
Before starting homoeopathic medicine for Lipoma, it is essential to get an accurate diagnosis. It is important to rule out any cancerous lesion and to diagnose any genetic disorder.
A physical examination is the first step in diagnosing a lipoma. During this examination, the doctor checks for pain, tenderness, and the feel of the Lipoma.
A sample of the Lipoma may be taken for a biopsy to rule out cancer. A cyst and a lipoma may get mistaken for each other. A doctor may order imaging tests like ultrasound, MRI, or a CT scan to determine whether it is a cyst or a lipoma. Image testing is also essential to decide on a lipoma's exact location, depth, and extent. It can also be determined if it is pressing on a nerve or other tissues and if blood vessels are in it.
Blood tests are not explicitly required to diagnose or treat a lipoma. However, they may be recommended to assess a person's overall health and look for risk factors. Some tests that may be recommended are CBC, Liver function tests, blood sugar, lipid profile, and genetic testing. O-Lab in Jammu is the best place to get your blood tests.
When should you consult a doctor for a lipoma?
If anyone notices a skin growth, a mass, a lump, or a knot under their skin, it is always recommended to see a doctor. This helps carry out the required tests and rule out any serious problems like liposarcoma (a type of cancer). You should also see a doctor if the Lipoma suddenly becomes painful or grows in size rapidly, if there are any skin changes, nerve-related symptoms like radiating pain and tingling sensation, Lipoma has become stiff or doesn't move like before, or any unusual symptoms.
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Do you need treatment for a lipoma?
In most cases, lipomas don't cause any symptoms or need no treatment. But you may need treatment if-
- Lipomas are cancerous.
- It is increasing or is big.
- It causes pain or discomfort.
- It bothers you for cosmetic reasons.
- It interferes with normal functions or health, like a lipoma around the bowel, which may cause GI symptoms.
- It does not have a precise diagnosis, and the doctor thinks it can be risky not to remove it.
Treatment for Lipoma
The most common treatment for a lipoma is surgical removal. For this, a small incision is made to squeeze out the Lipoma. Local anaesthesia usually suffices; the patient can return home the same day as it is an outpatient procedure. A lipoma that is impacting a nerve or an organ will require a more elaborate procedure.
More giant lipomas need more extensive incisions to be removed. Another way to remove a lipoma is via liposuction. This procedure involves sucking out the fat cells from the area. This requires the surgeon to make an incision into the Lipoma and insert a particular hollow tube type.
Modern surgical methods don't leave a significant scar; treatments are available to lighten the scars. As a standard procedure, a sample of the Lipoma is sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
Homeopathic treatment for Lipoma
Homoeopathic remedies for Lipoma are most valuable for small lumps less than 1 cm. These medicines can marginally decrease the size of lipomas. People who tend to develop multiple lipomas and where lipomas are increasing in size may benefit from homoeopathic medicines. Homeopathy may diminish a person's tendency to develop lipomas. It can also treat underlying risk factors like insulin resistance, liver issues, high cholesterol, etc.
Early intervention gives the best results for treating lipomas with homoeopathy. Getting an accurate diagnosis first is essential, as other conditions may be mistaken for lipomas. It may be better to take homoeopathic medicine and conventional treatment for Lipoma.
Some medicines used in homeopathy for Lipoma are Calcarea Carb, Sulphur, Belladonna, and Thuja. These medicines are selected based on a person's symptoms and state of health.
Homoeopathy can help reduce the size of lipomas, prevent new ones from forming, and relieve pain and discomfort, and it does so holistically.
Conclusion
Lipomas are very common, with approximately 1 in every 1000 people having it. Most people live with Lipoma without any trouble. This is why treatment isn't necessary for most cases. But you must see a doctor if you notice any lump to get a diagnosis. If you notice any changes in shape or size or feel of Lipoma, have sudden pain or sensory symptoms, or feel distressed due to cosmetic reasons, you should seek treatment. Lipomas generally don't grow back after they have been removed.
You can take steps to lower your risk factors, live a healthy lifestyle, and avoid alcohol to reduce your chances of getting lipomas, but you cannot be sure of preventing them. Homoeopathic treatment for Lipoma may help in further prevention.
If your doctor suggests tests, look no further than O-Lab in Jammu for blood tests to get economical packages and accurate reporting.