^

Health

A
A
A

Fatty bump on the head

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
 
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

A lipoma on the head is a benign tumor, which is a spherical mobile subcutaneous formation. Let's look at the causes of the appearance of a lipoma, diagnostic methods and treatment methods.

A lipoma on the head is a lipoma that can be treated. Very often, a lipoma is confused with an atheroma. Atheroma is a sebaceous gland cyst, and its symptoms are similar to a lipoma. A lipoma on the head can appear in both an adult and a child. Most often, the tumor occurs due to pathology of adipocytes, that is, fat cells, or improper metabolism. Some patients have hereditary causes that cause disturbances in fat metabolism. A lipoma does not pose a serious danger to the body, but it can become a serious cosmetic problem. Therefore, if a lipoma appears, you must consult a dermatologist to treat the neoplasm.

Causes of a lipoma on the head

The main causes of a lipoma on the head can only be determined by a dermatologist after conducting a series of tests and diagnostic procedures. To date, there is no specific scientific explanation that would accurately determine the cause of this tumor. However, a lipoma on the head can be caused by clogged sebaceous glands, problems with the gallbladder and liver, and an increase in the number of fat cells.

Depending on the cause of the appearance of a lipoma on the head, the tumor can be single or multiple. If several lipomas appear on the head, this indicates that the patient has a disease called lipomatosis. But do not worry, since the disease is treatable, and lipomas do not cause pain, only aesthetic discomfort.

trusted-source[ 1 ]

Symptoms of a wen on the head

Symptoms of a lipoma on the head are practically absent. Lipomas appear where there is fatty tissue, have the form of a tubercle, and when palpated they are mobile, soft and most importantly painless. The main symptom of a lipoma on the head is a cosmetic defect. If a lipoma appears on the face, neck or forehead, it is a noticeable bulge, similar to a lump.

A lipoma on the head is an asymptomatic disease, which cannot be said about lipomas on other parts of the body. Thus, lipomas can cause compression of surrounding organs and disruption of their functioning, nausea, cough, vomiting and swelling (if a lipoma appears in the esophagus). And if a lipoma appears in the brain, it causes severe headaches, increased intracranial pressure, and other painful symptoms.

What does a wen on the head look like?

What does a lipoma on the head look like? It is a rounded tubercle of elastic consistency. The lipoma has a smooth surface, it is mobile and absolutely painless. The skin above the lipoma does not change its color, so the lipoma can only be seen by palpating the head.

The size of a lipoma is small, from 1.5 to 3 centimeters in diameter. But there are cases when a lipoma reaches large sizes of up to 10 centimeters. In this case, you can easily palpate the structure of the tumor. Pain in the area of the lipoma can only appear if it contains nerve tissue. Please note that squeezing out lipomas on your own does not make sense. Since the lipoma is surrounded by connective tissue and a capsule, it can only be removed surgically.

Wen on a child's head

A lipoma on a child's head most often appears in the forehead or hair growth area. When palpated, the lipoma is quite soft, mobile and easily rolls under the skin. But the lipoma can be denser, this is possible if the connective tissue was affected when the lipoma appeared.

As a rule, the deeper the lipoma is, the higher its density upon palpation. If a lipoma appears in a young child, it is very easy to notice, since at this age the baby still has short hair. Lipomas do not pose a danger to the child's body. If a lipoma appears in the forehead area, it can be removed only when the child reaches 5-7 years of age, but not earlier.

Are wen on the head dangerous?

Are lipomas on the head dangerous? If treated in a timely manner, they do not pose a threat. To determine the danger of a lipoma, it is necessary to undergo diagnostics of the disease by a dermatologist. In addition to the examination, the dermatologist must conduct a cytological analysis, ultrasound examination and biopsy. All these tests will help prescribe effective treatment. Treatment can be either medicinal (in the early stages of lipoma development) or surgical, that is, removal of the tumor.

But do not forget that in the absence of treatment and the presence of pathogenic conditions, a lipoma from a benign neoplasm can transform into a malignant tumor - liposarcoma. Therefore, if you feel a soft round neoplasm on your head, do not delay visiting a dermatologist.

trusted-source[ 2 ]

Diagnosis of a wen on the head

Diagnosis of a lipoma on the head is carried out by a dermatologist. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor conducts a clinical examination and prescribes a number of tests. Thus, the patient needs to undergo an ultrasound examination and a cytological analysis with a biopsy. If the lipoma is large, then it is necessary to do an X-ray to determine the location of the tumor, the depth of its location and the possibility of access to it for surgical treatment.

As a rule, the diagnosis is made at the first examination, but in order to differentiate atheroma or lipoma from oncology, it is recommended to take the above-described tests. In some cases, the patient undergoes a puncture of the lipoma for histological examination. This allows for a final diagnosis and effective treatment.

trusted-source[ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Treatment of wen on the head

Treatment of a lipoma on the head depends on the stage of the tumor, its size, location and the patient's age. There are two types of treatment - medication and surgery. The first type of treatment is taking medications that promote the resorption of the tumor and restore the body's protective functions. The second treatment option is surgery. The lipoma is dissected under anesthesia and the contents are cleaned out - the capsule and fatty tissue.

Today, there are more modern methods of treating lipoma. New radio wave surgical devices are used in the treatment, which painlessly remove the neoplasm. Another method of treatment is treatment with folk remedies. In any case, the treatment is chosen by a dermatologist.

How to get rid of a wen on the head?

A dermatologist can help you decide how to get rid of a lipoma on your head after diagnosing the lipoma. The most effective treatment method is surgical removal. After such treatment, the lipoma does not recur and does not cause aesthetic problems in the future.

You can get rid of a lipoma with the help of medication and traditional medicine. But today there is no effective medication that would guarantee 100% elimination of a lipoma. Thus, a lipoma that has once appeared can decrease in size, but will not completely disappear without surgical intervention.

Removal of a lipoma on the head

Removal of a lipoma on the head is a surgical procedure that is performed by a surgeon after permission from a dermatologist. Classic methods for removing lipomas on the head include:

  • Puncture is the removal of the contents of a lipoma using a syringe or a special device.
  • Excision - the lipoma is cut with a scalpel, after which the surgeon removes the capsule of the neoplasm from the subcutaneous tissue and cleans the wound of fatty tissue.
  • Endoscopy – a small hole is made in the tumor and an endoscope is inserted. The surgeon cuts out the lipoma and its capsule, monitoring the entire process with video equipment.
  • Laser removal and removal using a radio wave device are less traumatic methods of removing lipomas.

Prevention of wen on the head

Prevention of a lipoma on the head consists of eliminating factors that provoke the appearance of a tumor and changes in adipose tissue. The basis of prevention is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It would not be superfluous to give up bad habits.

Dermatologists recommend following a healthy diet and not eating foods with preservatives. Don't forget about basic hygiene and keeping your body clean. At the first signs of a lipoma, you should see a dermatologist. The doctor will prescribe effective treatment that will help get rid of the lipoma before it becomes noticeable.

Forecast of a wen on the head

Most often, the prognosis for a lipoma on the head is positive. Lipomas very rarely become life-threatening and are not accompanied by painful symptoms. The prognosis depends on the chosen treatment and its effectiveness. Drug treatment does not guarantee that the lipoma will not reappear. Deep lipomas are prone to relapse, unlike superficial ones. But surgical treatment of deep lipomas is not always possible. In this case, laser and radio wave treatment are used, which gives a positive prognosis for a lipoma on the head.

A lipoma on the head is a tumor that can be treated and does not cause painful symptoms. A lipoma can be identified by palpating the scalp, but it should only be treated after diagnosis by a dermatologist. Modern treatment methods allow you to completely remove a lipoma without leaving traces after treatment, that is, cosmetic problems.

trusted-source[ 5 ]

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.