Illustration of a vulvar lipoma, a benign tumor.

Vulvar Lipoma: When a Harmless Growth Needs Attention

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding, Identifying, and Addressing Benign Tumors on the Vulva"

Lipomas are common, benign soft tissue tumors composed of mature fat cells. While they frequently appear on the back, neck, and extremities, their occurrence on the vulva is quite rare. Although typically harmless, it's important to understand what vulvar lipomas are, how they're diagnosed, and when intervention might be necessary.

The precise cause of lipomas remains under investigation, with theories pointing to factors like trauma or genetic changes. Distinguishing a vulvar lipoma from other conditions, like Bartholin gland cysts or hernias, is crucial for proper management.

This article explores a case study of a woman who presented with a vulvar lipoma. It delves into the diagnostic process, treatment options, and key considerations for women who might experience this unusual growth.

What is a Vulvar Lipoma and How is it Diagnosed?

Illustration of a vulvar lipoma, a benign tumor.

A vulvar lipoma is essentially a benign, slow-growing tumor made up of fatty tissue that develops on the vulva. Because of its location, it can cause discomfort or a feeling of pressure, especially if it grows to a significant size. The key to diagnosis lies in a combination of physical examination and imaging techniques.

Initially, a doctor will perform a physical examination to assess the mass. Key characteristics of a lipoma include:

Soft and mobile: The mass should feel relatively soft and move easily under the skin.
Non-tender: Lipomas are typically painless.
Slow growth: The mass usually develops gradually over time.

While a physical exam can raise suspicion, imaging tests are essential to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential conditions. An ultrasound can reveal a homogenous echo texture, often surrounded by a capsule. An MRI scan is highly effective, showing a soft tissue mass with characteristics similar to subcutaneous fat. The MRI helps visualize the extent of the lipoma and differentiate it from other types of masses.

When is Treatment Necessary for a Vulvar Lipoma?

Many small, asymptomatic lipomas don't require immediate intervention. However, larger lipomas can cause discomfort, affect daily activities, or create cosmetic concerns. In these cases, several treatment options exist. Surgical excision is often the preferred method, ensuring complete removal of the lipoma and its capsule to minimize the risk of recurrence.

Other treatment options include liposuction, laser therapy, and injections of pharmaceutical agents. The choice of treatment depends on the size and location of the lipoma, as well as the patient's individual preferences.

While a vulvar lipoma can be a source of anxiety, early diagnosis and appropriate management can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Regular self-exams and open communication with your doctor are key to addressing any concerns about unusual growths in the vulvar area.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1055/s-0038-1670642, Alternate LINK

Title: Vulvar Lipoma: A Case Report

Subject: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Journal: Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics

Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG

Authors: Ahmed Reda, Ihab Gomaa

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is a vulvar lipoma, and how do doctors determine if a growth is indeed this type of benign tumor?

A vulvar lipoma is a benign, slow-growing tumor composed of fatty tissue that develops on the vulva. It's typically diagnosed through a physical examination, where a doctor will assess the mass for characteristics like softness, mobility, and lack of tenderness. Imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and MRI, are then used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential conditions like Bartholin gland cysts or hernias. An ultrasound can reveal a homogenous echo texture, while an MRI scan provides detailed visualization of the soft tissue mass, helping to differentiate it from other types of masses.

When is it medically necessary to treat a vulvar lipoma, and what treatment options are typically considered?

Treatment for a vulvar lipoma isn't always necessary. Small, asymptomatic lipomas can be safely monitored without intervention. However, if a vulvar lipoma grows large enough to cause discomfort, affect daily activities, or create cosmetic concerns, treatment becomes necessary. Surgical excision is often the preferred method in these cases, ensuring complete removal of the lipoma and its capsule to minimize the risk of recurrence.

Are there any known causes or risk factors associated with the development of vulvar lipomas?

While the precise cause of lipomas, including vulvar lipomas, remains under investigation, theories suggest that factors like trauma or genetic changes may play a role in their development. These factors influence the formation and growth of the mature fat cells that constitute the lipoma. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to the formation of these benign tumors.

Why is an MRI scan considered a valuable tool in diagnosing vulvar lipomas?

An MRI scan is highly effective in diagnosing a vulvar lipoma because it provides detailed visualization of the soft tissue mass. The MRI helps to characterize the lipoma's composition, size, and location, and differentiate it from other types of masses or conditions like Bartholin gland cysts or hernias. The MRI's ability to distinguish the lipoma's characteristics similar to subcutaneous fat is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

What is the goal of surgically removing a vulvar lipoma, and what are the potential implications of this procedure?

The primary goal of surgical excision of a vulvar lipoma is the complete removal of the lipoma and its capsule. This approach minimizes the risk of recurrence. By removing the entire lipoma, including the surrounding capsule, surgeons reduce the likelihood of any residual fatty tissue leading to the formation of a new lipoma in the same area. The procedure alleviates discomfort and cosmetic concerns and reduces the possibility of the lipoma interfering with daily activities.