How do you tell the difference between a lipoma and an enlarged lymph node?

September 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, lipomas are one of the most common noncancerous soft tissue tumors, yet many people remain unsure if a lump is a benign fatty growth or a swollen lymph node. Learning how do you tell the difference between a lipoma and an enlarged lymph node is crucial for peace of mind and proper medical guidance.

Quick Summary

Lipomas are soft, movable, doughy lumps of fatty tissue found just under the skin, often painless and slow-growing. Enlarged lymph nodes, however, are typically firmer, rubbery, and may be tender, indicating an immune system response to infection or other issues. Key differences lie in consistency, mobility, location, and associated symptoms.

Key Points

Consistency is Key: Lipomas feel soft, doughy, and fatty, while enlarged lymph nodes are typically firmer and more rubbery [1, 4].
Location Matters: Lymph nodes are found in predictable chains (neck, armpits, groin), whereas lipomas can appear almost anywhere [1, 2, 5].
Tenderness as a Clue: Infected lymph nodes are often tender or painful, but lipomas are usually painless unless they are unusually large or pressing on nerves [1, 2, 4].
Mobility Differences: A lipoma is very mobile and slides easily under the skin, unlike an enlarged lymph node which may feel more fixed [1, 4].
Professional Diagnosis: Only a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis through physical examination and, if needed, imaging or biopsy [4].

Understanding Lumps Under the Skin

Discovering a new lump or bump on your body can be unsettling, but it's important to remember that most are harmless. However, distinguishing between different types of growths is essential for proper evaluation. Two of the most common types of subcutaneous lumps are lipomas and enlarged lymph nodes, each with distinct characteristics and causes. While a professional medical diagnosis is always necessary, understanding the fundamental differences can provide a starting point for discussion with your healthcare provider.

What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign (noncancerous) tumor made of fatty tissue [1]. They grow slowly and typically develop just beneath the skin in various locations [1]. While the exact cause is often unknown, genetics may play a role [1].

Key Characteristics of a Lipoma

Consistency: Soft and doughy or rubbery [1].
Mobility: Moves easily with slight pressure [1].
Tenderness: Usually painless, but can be painful if large or pressing on a nerve [1].
Growth Rate: Grows very slowly [1].
Location: Can occur anywhere on the body with fat [1].

What is an Enlarged Lymph Node?

Lymph nodes are small glands in the lymphatic system that filter lymph fluid and house immune cells [2, 5]. They are located throughout the body in chains, notably in the neck, armpits, and groin [2, 5]. They enlarge when the body is fighting an infection, inflammation, or rarely, cancer [2, 3, 5].

Key Characteristics of an Enlarged Lymph Node

Consistency: Firmer or more rubbery than a lipoma [4].
Mobility: May be somewhat movable but often feels more anchored [4].
Tenderness: Frequently tender or painful, especially with infection [2, 4].
Growth Rate: Can swell relatively quickly in response to infection and may subside as the body recovers [2, 5]. Persistent enlargement is more concerning [4].
Location: Found in specific, predictable locations or chains [2, 5].

Comparing a Lipoma and an Enlarged Lymph Node


Feature	Lipoma	Enlarged Lymph Node
Consistency	Soft, doughy, or rubbery [1]	Firmer, rubbery [4]
Mobility	Very movable; slides easily under the skin [1]	Less movable or fixed; may feel anchored [4]
Tenderness	Usually painless [1]; may be painful if pressing on nerves	Often tender or painful, especially with infection [2, 4]
Location	Can appear anywhere on the body [1]	Found in specific chains (neck, armpit, groin) [2, 5]
Growth Rate	Slow-growing; stable over time [1]	Can swell quickly [2, 5]; may subside with infection [2]
Cause	Benign fatty tissue overgrowth [1]	Immune response to infection, inflammation, or malignancy [2, 3, 5]
Associated Symptoms	Typically none [1]	May have associated symptoms like fever, fatigue, or sore throat [3]

When to See a Doctor

A medical evaluation is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis [4]. See a doctor if you notice concerning characteristics such as a lump that is hard, fixed, rapidly growing, painful, red, inflamed, or accompanied by systemic symptoms like unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever [4]. Also seek evaluation if a lump recurs after removal [4].

The Diagnostic Process

A doctor will perform a physical examination and take a medical history [4]. Based on their assessment, further testing may be recommended [4].

Common Diagnostic Tools

Ultrasound: Helps determine if a lump is solid, cystic, or fatty [4].
MRI or CT Scan: Provides more detailed images for complex cases [4].
Biopsy: A tissue sample is analyzed to confirm the diagnosis, used for suspicious cases [4].

Treatment and Prognosis

Lipomas often require no treatment unless they are bothersome [1]. Surgical removal is a common treatment for lipomas [1]. Treatment for enlarged lymph nodes focuses on the underlying cause, typically infection [2, 5]. Persistent enlargement requires further investigation [4]. For more information on lipoma management, consult authoritative sources [1].

Conclusion

While characteristics can suggest whether a lump is a lipoma or an enlarged lymph node, self-diagnosis is not recommended [4]. A healthcare professional's evaluation, potentially with imaging or biopsy, is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care [4].

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common cause is a bacterial or viral infection, such as a cold, strep throat, or mono. The lymph nodes swell as they work to filter and fight the infection [2, 5].

No, a lipoma is a benign (noncancerous) growth made of fatty tissue. It does not become cancerous [1]. However, a malignant tumor called a liposarcoma can sometimes mimic a deep-seated lipoma, which is why a proper medical diagnosis is important.

Swollen lymph nodes typically return to their normal size within a few weeks after the underlying infection has cleared [2, 5]. If a node remains enlarged for more than a month, or continues to grow, it should be evaluated by a doctor [4].

A hard, immovable lump is a more concerning sign and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately, as it could indicate a more serious condition, including malignancy [4]. However, many benign growths can also feel firm.

While the exact cause is not always clear, genetics can play a role [1]. Some people have an inherited condition called familial multiple lipomatosis, which causes multiple lipomas to appear on the body.

A doctor will perform a physical exam, taking into account the lump's characteristics, location, and your medical history. They may order an ultrasound or other imaging, and sometimes a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis [4].

While stress doesn't directly cause lymph nodes to swell, prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections that could lead to swollen lymph nodes.