From the Guidelines
Yes, babies can develop lipomas, which are benign fatty tumors that form under the skin. While lipomas are more common in adults between 40-60 years old, they can occasionally occur in infants and children, as mentioned in a study published in Pediatrics in 2015 1. These soft, movable, painless lumps consist of fat cells that grow within a thin capsule, typically appearing on the neck, shoulders, back, or arms. In babies, lipomas are usually small and don't require treatment unless they cause discomfort, grow rapidly, or affect function.
Key Points to Consider
- The exact cause of lipomas in infants isn't fully understood, but there may be a genetic component, as they can run in families.
- If you notice an unusual lump on your baby, it's essential to have it evaluated by a pediatrician who can distinguish between a lipoma and other types of growths.
- Most pediatric lipomas remain harmless and may even disappear on their own, but medical assessment is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine if any intervention is needed.
- It's also important to note that lipomas can be associated with other conditions, such as spinal malformations, as mentioned in the study 1.
- While other studies discuss infantile hemangiomas 1, they are not directly relevant to the question of lipomas in babies.
Recommendations for Parents
- Be aware of any unusual lumps or growths on your baby's skin.
- Consult a pediatrician if you notice any changes or have concerns.
- Follow the pediatrician's advice for monitoring and potential treatment of the lipoma.
From the Research
Lipomas in Babies
- Lipomas, also known as fatty tumors, can occur in babies, although they are rare in pediatric patients, accounting for less than 10% of all soft tissue lesions 2.
- A study of 50 pediatric lipomatous tumor cases found that the age distribution ranged from 1 to 204 months, indicating that lipomas can occur in infants and young children 2.
- Another study reported a case of a 2-year-old female with a giant mesenteric lipoma that caused bowel obstruction, highlighting the potential for lipomas to occur in young children and cause significant symptoms 3.
Types of Lipomas in Babies
- Lipoblastoma is a type of benign tumor that derives from embryonic white fat cells and almost exclusively affects children less than 3 years of age 4.
- However, some studies have reported cases of lipoblastoma in older children, highlighting the need for consideration of this diagnosis in children of all ages 4.
- Other types of lipomatous tumors, such as lipoma, atypical lipomatous tumor, and myxoid liposarcoma, can also occur in pediatric patients, although the prevalence and incidence of these tumors are not well established 2, 5, 6.
Treatment and Outcome
- Surgical treatment is often necessary for lipomatous tumors in children, especially for large or deep-seated tumors 5.
- A study of 32 children who underwent resection for big and deep-seated lipomas found that marginal resection procedures without biopsy can be effective with lower complication and local recurrence rates compared to adult patients with similar tumors 5.
- Close monitoring is necessary after treatment, as local recurrences can occur even after total excision 2.