An intramuscular lipoma is a benign tumor made of fatty tissue that develops within muscle tissue. These tumors can be found on the torso, head, neck, and legs of middle-aged adults. Diagnosis involves an examination by a doctor and x-rays. Because these tumors are not life-threatening, surgical removal is not necessary unless the tumor is causing discomfort by pressing against a nerve. The surgery is somewhat more complex than the removal of other lipomas, and the lipoma can grow back if it is not completely removed.
Although the cause of lipomas is not fully understood, the common consensus in the medical community is that hereditary factors are involved. One percent of all people develop a lipoma in middle age. An intramuscular lipoma is a fatty tumor that develops within muscle fibers. For comparison, an intermuscular lipoma develops between muscle groups. The type of tumor is identical in both cases.
The tumor appears as a lump, which sometimes causes the skin to protrude. Most tumors associated with intramuscular lipoma are very small, no larger than 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter. Due to the location of an intramuscular lipoma, discomfort is more likely than with other types of lipoma. It is recommended to see the doctor, especially if one notices that the lipoma is growing; the lipoma could be pressing against a nerve.
Diagnosis of an intramuscular lipoma involves both a physical exam and x-rays. Fat tissue is easily visible in the latter. Blood tests and other tests can rule out the presence of malignant cancer. If a patient is experiencing no pain or discomfort, surgery is not necessary, although future doctor visits may include more x-rays to ensure the tumor is no longer growing. However, if the lipoma causes pain, surgery is the only option.
Unlike intermuscular lipomas, which can be easily removed by surgery, surgical removal of an intramuscular lipoma is more complicated. This is because the lipoma is within a muscle group and a muscle cut is required. The location of the lipoma may make it impossible for the surgeon to remove the entire tumor so as not to cause permanent muscle damage. If any of the lipoma remains, it can grow back to its original size.
If a patient undergoes successful surgery, the recovery time is only a day or two. The tumor must not grow back. For patients whose surgeons were unable to remove the entire tumor, they will need regular x-rays to measure future tumor growth if it occurs. A second surgery may be necessary if the tumor reaches its previous size.