Lipoma are benign tumors presenting as a lump under the skin that occurs due to an overgrowth of fat cells. Indications for removal of lipoma includes pain, complications, or other symptoms. Some people also have concerns about the cosmetic appearance of lipomas.

Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body where fat cells are present, but they tend to appear on the shoulders, chest, trunk, neck, thighs, and armpits. In less common cases, they may also form in internal organs, bones, or muscles.

Lipomas feel soft and may move slightly under the skin when people press down on them. They usually grow slowly over a period of months or years and typically reach a size of around 2–3 centimeters (cm). Occasionally, people have giant lipomas, which can grow to more than 10 cm.

Lipoma treatments include:

1. Surgical removal. Most lipomas are removed surgically by cutting them out. Recurrences after removal are uncommon. 

2. Liposuction. This treatment uses a needle and a large syringe to remove the fatty lump.

Minimally invasive approach has been defined which can lead to hiding the scars under the armpit (STEALTH surgery)