From the Research
Lipomas on the lip should be treated with surgical excision using the 2.5-cm (1-inch) method, as it provides a cosmetically pleasing outcome with minimal pain and hypoesthesia, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Diagnosis of Lipoma
Lipomas are benign tumors composed of fat tissue, typically appearing as soft, doughy lumps that move easily when pressed. They can occur anywhere on the body, including the lip. Diagnosis is usually made through physical examination and imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound.
Treatment Options for Lipoma on the Lip
Treatment options for lipomas include:
- Surgical excision: This is the most common approach, performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
- Liposuction: This can be used to remove large lipomas, especially those that are deep to muscle.
- Steroid injections: These can be used to shrink the lipoma, but may not be as effective for large lipomas.
- High-frequency ultrasound-guided injection of a Class III CE-marked device: This is a non-invasive treatment option that has shown promise in removing lipomas, as reported in a study 2.
Recommended Treatment for Lipoma on the Lip
The 2.5-cm (1-inch) method is the recommended treatment for lipomas on the lip, as it provides a cosmetically pleasing outcome with minimal pain and hypoesthesia, as supported by the most recent study 1. This method involves making a small incision, detaching the lipoma from the retaining ligaments with a finger, and extracting the tumor in a piecemeal fashion or using the squeeze technique. The retaining ligaments are preserved as much as possible to minimize the risk of hypoesthesia or permanent chronic pain at the incision site.
Key Considerations
- Lipomas are generally harmless, but any new or changing growth should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions.
- The exact cause of lipomas is unclear, but genetic factors may play a role, and they are more common in adults between 40-60 years old.
- Alternative treatment options, such as liposuction or steroid injections, may be considered for large lipomas or those that are difficult to access, as reported in studies 3 and 4.