You’re standing in front of the bathroom mirror, twisting your neck at an impossible angle, trying to get a decent look at that weird bump you just felt near your shoulder blade. It’s soft. It moves a little when you poke it. Honestly, it's kind of unnerving. So, you do what everyone does: you grab your phone and start hunting for pictures of lipomas on the back to see if yours matches the "standard" look.
The internet is a wild place for medical imagery. You'll find everything from tiny, pea-sized dots to massive, grapefruit-sized growths that look like they belong in a sci-fi flick. But here’s the thing about lipomas—they are incredibly common and, usually, pretty boring from a medical standpoint. They’re basically just slow-growing, fatty tumors located between your skin and the underlying muscle layer.
Most people describe them as feeling "doughy." That’s the gold standard descriptor used by dermatologists at places like the Mayo Clinic. If you press on it, it might slide around under your finger. It shouldn't feel like a hard rock or a fixed marble. If it does, that’s when doctors start getting a bit more curious.
What You’re Actually Seeing in Those Photos
When you scroll through search results, you’ll notice a huge range. Some lipomas are virtually invisible to the naked eye, only appearing as a slight asymmetry when the person bends over or moves their arm. Others create a distinct, rounded dome shape. On the back, they frequently pop up along the spine, near the tops of the shoulders, or right over the ribs.
The skin over a lipoma usually looks completely normal. It’s not red, it’s not crusty, and there shouldn't be a "pore" or "blackhead" in the center—that’s usually a hallmark of a sebaceous cyst, not a lipoma. If the photo you're looking at shows a lump with a tiny dark opening, you're likely looking at a cyst. Lipomas are deeper. They are the shy cousins of the skin-growth world, tucked away in the subcutaneous fat.
Sometimes, you’ll see "multiple lipomatosis" in photos. This is a condition, often hereditary, where a person doesn't just have one bump, but dozens. It can look like a topographical map across the upper back and arms. While it looks intense in pictures, the individual lumps are still just benign fat.
💡 You might also like: Why the Long Head of the Tricep is the Secret to Huge Arms
Why the Back is a Hotspot for These Lumps
The back is a massive "canvas" of connective tissue and fat. It’s one of the most common places for these things to set up shop. Why? Doctors aren't 100% sure, but genetics play a massive role. If your dad had a "fatty bump" on his shoulder, there's a decent chance you'll get one too.
Trauma might also be a factor. There’s some anecdotal evidence—and some smaller studies—suggesting that a blunt hit to a specific area might trigger a lipoma to start growing. Think about how often you bump your back or shoulders against doorframes or chair backs. It’s a high-impact area.
Distinguishing Lipomas from Other Back Bumps
It is easy to get paranoid. You see a picture of a sarcoma (a rare cancerous tumor) and suddenly that little squishy bump feels like a ticking time bomb. But sarcomas are rare. Lipomas are ubiquitous.
- Lipomas: Soft, mobile, slow-growing, usually painless unless they hit a nerve.
- Cysts: Often have a visible "punctum" (hole), can get inflamed, and might "drain" (gross, I know).
- Abscesses: These are painful. They’re red, hot, and you’ll likely feel sick or have a fever.
- Dermatofibromas: These are hard, small, and usually darker than the surrounding skin. If you pinch them, they "dimple" inward.
Can You Trust Your Own Eyes?
Honestly? No.
Even the most seasoned dermatologists will tell you that while a bump looks like a lipoma, the only way to be certain is an in-person exam. Sometimes they’ll use an ultrasound to check the internal structure. If the lump is growing fast—and I mean noticeably bigger over a few weeks—or if it's over 2 inches (5 cm) wide, doctors usually want a closer look.
📖 Related: Why the Dead Bug Exercise Ball Routine is the Best Core Workout You Aren't Doing Right
There is a specific subtype called an angiolipoma. These are lipomas that have more blood vessels in them. In pictures, they look identical to regular ones, but they tend to be painful. If your back bump hurts when you lean against a chair, it might be one of these. They aren't dangerous, just annoying.
The Reality of Removal: What the "After" Pictures Show
A lot of people look up pictures of lipomas on the back because they are considering surgery. They want to see the scars.
The good news? Most removals (excisions) are quick, outpatient procedures. If the lipoma is small, the scar is usually a fine line that fades into the natural creases of your back. Surgeons often use a technique called "minimal excursion" where they make a tiny nick and essentially squeeze the lipoma out like a grape.
However, if you have a "giant lipoma"—defined as anything over 10 cm—the surgery is more involved. You might see photos of drains or larger incisions. On the back, skin is thick and under tension, so scars can sometimes widen (this is called a hypertrophic scar). Most people find a flat scar much more preferable to a protruding lump that interferes with their backpack straps or clothing.
When to Stop Looking at Pictures and See a Pro
Internet research is great for peace of mind, but it has limits. You should stop scrolling and book an appointment if:
👉 See also: Why Raw Milk Is Bad: What Enthusiasts Often Ignore About The Science
- The lump is hard and doesn't move when you push it.
- It’s growing rapidly.
- It’s deeper than the skin—like it’s attached to the bone or deep muscle.
- It feels "hot" or looks angry and red.
Medical professionals like those at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) emphasize that while 99% of these are harmless, getting a baseline "all-clear" from a doctor is the only way to truly stop worrying. They’ll do a physical exam and, if they have any doubt, they might order an MRI or a biopsy. But for most, the diagnosis is a simple, "Yep, that’s just a lipoma."
Moving Forward With Your Back Lump
If you’ve confirmed yours matches the typical pictures of lipomas on the back, you have a few options. Most people choose to do absolutely nothing. If it doesn't hurt and you don't mind the look, let it be. It’s just a bit of extra cushion.
If it’s a cosmetic issue or it's catching on your bra strap or gym bag, see a dermatologist. Don't try to "pop" it. It's not a pimple. There is no "head" to pop, and you’ll just end up with a nasty infection or a bruised mess.
Next Steps for Assessment:
- The "Pinch" Test: Gently see if the skin moves over the lump or if the lump moves with the skin. If it's free-floating, that's a classic lipoma sign.
- Measurement: Use a ruler to measure the diameter today. Write it down. Check again in a month. If it hasn't moved a millimeter, you're likely in the "stable" zone.
- Consultation: If you decide on removal, ask your surgeon about "liposuction for lipomas." For larger fatty masses on the back, sometimes they can suck the fat out through a tiny hole rather than cutting a long line, which leaves a much smaller scar.
- Documentation: Take your own photos. Lighting can be tricky on your back, so have someone else take a clear, high-res shot with a coin next to the lump for scale. This is much more helpful for your doctor than a vague description.
At the end of the day, these fatty growths are a part of life for millions of people. While the photos online can sometimes look scary or extreme, the reality for the average person is just a small, soft bump that stays quiet for years. Monitor it, get it checked once for safety, and then decide if it’s worth the effort of removal or if it’s just a new, quirky part of your anatomy.