Why Are the Multiple Lumps in My Stomach Fat Painful?

If you notice that the lumps in your stomach fat are painful, one possibility, although rare, is Dercum's disease, also known as adiposis dolorosa. In this condition, people develop multiple lipomas—benign growths of fat tissue—that are unusually painful. Unlike typical lipomas, which are usually soft and painless, the fatty deposits in Dercum's disease are inflamed and can cause significant discomfort. This disease is more common in women and may also be associated with symptoms such as fatigue and weight changes. The pain may be constant, worsen with pressure, or flare up unpredictably. Other possibilities include epidermal cysts, skin tumors, reactions to injections (like low-molecular-weight heparin) or other localized injuries causing painful nodules. The presence of multiple painful lumps may suggest Dercum's disease. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider who can perform a detailed evaluation—including imaging studies or even a biopsy—to come to a diagnosis and discuss treatment options to help manage your pain and other symptoms.