Lipoma
Updated July 29, 2023
Skin, Hair & Nails
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A lipoma is a benign growth of the fatty tissues under the skin.
From Open AIÂ 7/2023
- Lipoma:
- A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that develops just beneath the skin. It is one of the most common types of benign soft tissue tumors.
- Lipomas are usually painless, slow-growing, and can occur anywhere on the body where fat tissue is present. They are most commonly found on the trunk, neck, shoulders, and armpits.
- The exact cause of lipomas is not always clear, but they tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. They typically form when fat cells within the fatty tissue grow and multiply abnormally, creating a lump under the skin.
- Granuloma:
- A granuloma is a small area of inflammation in the body, typically formed in response to an infection, foreign substance, or irritant. It is the body’s attempt to isolate and contain the offending agent.
- Granulomas are composed of immune cells, particularly macrophages, that gather at the site of infection or inflammation. These cells attempt to engulf and neutralize the foreign substance or pathogen but may not always be successful in eliminating it completely.
- Granulomas can occur in various organs or tissues, such as the lungs, skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. They can be caused by infections (e.g., tuberculosis), certain autoimmune diseases, reactions to foreign materials (e.g., surgical sutures), or some chronic inflammatory conditions.
In summary, the main difference between a lipoma and a granuloma is their nature and formation. A lipoma is a benign growth of fat tissue, typically found just under the skin, whereas a granuloma is a localized area of inflammation formed in response to various triggers such as infections or foreign substances. If you have concerns about any skin growth or inflammation, it is essential to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.