What is the growth rate of an infiltrative lipoma (benign tumor)?

From the Research

Infiltrative lipomas are benign fatty tumors that grow slowly but persistently, typically at a rate of a few millimeters to centimeters per year. The growth rate of an infiltrative lipoma can vary significantly between individuals and can be influenced by factors such as location, patient age, and underlying health conditions 1, 2. These tumors don't metastasize since they're benign, but their infiltrative nature means they often recur after surgical removal, with recurrence rates reported between 35-62% depending on the completeness of the initial excision 3.

Key Characteristics of Infiltrative Lipomas

• They are benign fatty tumors with an infiltrative growth pattern, extending into surrounding tissues including muscle, fascia, and neurovascular structures 1
• They are typically slow-growing, but can cause discomfort, cosmetic concerns, or functional impairment, leading to surgical intervention 3
• The growth rate can be influenced by factors such as location, patient age, and underlying health conditions 2

Management of Infiltrative Lipomas

• Wide surgical margins are typically recommended when removing these tumors to reduce recurrence risk 3
• Precise surgical technique and post-operative care are essential components of management 3
• Individualized treatment is important, ensuring symptomatic lipomas' diagnosis and effective management 3

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

• Lipomas must be distinguished from liposarcoma, which can have a similar appearance 4
• A thorough preoperative evaluation is necessary to rule out the possibility of malignancy before embarking on surgical treatment 2