Lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty tumor situated between skin and the underlying muscle layer. Most of the time lipoma is easy to identify because it moves readily with slight finger pressure. It's doughy to touch and not tender on most occasions. Lipoma could be multiple in number that and be there for many for years. Lipomas can come at any age, but they're most often detected in middle age. A lipoma is not malignant or cancerous and is harmless. Treatment generally isn't necessary, but if the lipoma is in a bothersome location, is painful or is growing, you should seek to have it removed. Lipoma symptoms include a flattened lump located just under the skin. The usual site is in the neck, shoulders, back, arms and thighs. On touch it is a soft, doughy and moves easily with slight finger pressure. Most lipomas are small, less than 1 to 2 inches in diameter, but they can become bigger, up to 5 or 6 inches in diameter. There may be pain, if they grow and press on nearby nerves, or if they contain many blood vessels. The growth is slow, and one may have a lipoma for years. The exact cause of lipomas is not understood clearly.