Lipoma Ultrasound: Diagnosis & Understanding

A lipoma is a benign tumor made up of mature fatty cells that commonly occur superficially. Although rare, it is possible for lipomas to develop deep in your body's organs.

Misconceptions

• There is currently no FDA-approved treatment for lipomas using an ultrasonic imaging device. The ultrasound is primarily used only to diagnose the severity of lipomas.

Benefits

• An ultrasound can provide a detailed image of your lipoma. This information can be vital in determining how deep the lipoma permeates your skin.

Theories/Speculation

• There is speculation that it may be possible to create a powerful, focused ultrasonic wave to destroy the fatty tissue of a lipoma.

Prevention/Solution

• Lipomas are primarily treated with local steroid injections that break down their fatty cells. Larger lipomas may require a surgical procedure such as liposuction.

Fun Fact

• An ultrasound is actually sound pressure that has a frequency greater than the human ear can hear.