Psychosomatics of lipoma
A lipoma is a soft, movable fatty lump under the skin. It is harmless, grows slowly and usually does not hurt, most often on the shoulders, back, arms and thighs. It usually needs no treatment and is removed if it grows or gets in the way. But show any new lump to a doctor so they can confirm it is a lipoma. The Ladder method adds questions about what you store up inside and put off for later.
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When to see a doctor
Start with a GP: they can usually recognise a lipoma on examination, and if in doubt will send you for an ultrasound or to a surgeon. A surgeon removes a lipoma if it grows or gets in the way.
In the Ladder method
In the Ladder method a lipoma is not explained as "you are storing up resentment", and you are not to blame for it appearing. It is a harmless collection of fatty tissue. Questions to yourself belong alongside a doctor's examination, not instead of it.
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In the method a soft store under the skin fits the image of what you keep and carry with you: words left unsaid, things put off "for later", protection from the world. It is an image, not the cause, and it does not replace an examination by a doctor.
On the ladder this shows up as the steps "I'll deal with it later" and "I keep it inside so as not to worry anyone". You can work through them at your own pace.
These are questions for reflection, not an explanation of what causes the condition and not a treatment.
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How it shows up
Book a doctor’s appointment if you notice:
- A soft lump under the skin
- Moves slightly when pressed
- From the size of a pea to a few centimetres
- Grows slowly
- Usually painless
- Most often on the shoulders, back, arms and thighs
What medicine knows
A lipoma is a soft collection of fatty tissue under the skin. The NHS says lipomas are common and harmless. They feel soft, move slightly when pressed, range from the size of a pea to a few centimetres, grow slowly and usually do not hurt.
Lipomas most often appear on the shoulders, chest, arms, back, bottom and thighs, but can be elsewhere too, for example on the forehead. You may have one or several.
A lipoma usually needs no treatment. It is removed if it is growing or causing problems because of where it is. The removed tissue may be sent to a lab to confirm it is a lipoma (NHS).
You cannot tell on your own what a lump is. The NHS advises showing a doctor any lump on your body, especially if it grows, hurts, is red or hot, is hard and does not move, or lasts more than 2 weeks. A doctor can usually tell a lipoma on examination, and if in doubt will order an ultrasound.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can a lipoma be caused by nerves?
No, nerves do not cause lipomas. It is a harmless collection of fatty tissue under the skin (NHS). It is best to show any new lump to a doctor.
What does a lipoma mean in psychosomatics?
There is no proven "meaning". In the Ladder method a fatty lump becomes a reason to ask yourself what you store up inside and put off for later. It is a question to yourself, not a diagnosis.
Is a lipoma dangerous?
A lipoma itself is harmless and usually needs no treatment. But you cannot tell it apart from other lumps on your own, so show it to a doctor, especially if it grows, hurts, is hard and does not move (NHS).
Related topics
Psychosomatics does not replace tests and treatment. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.