Lipoma overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor-In-Chief:
Overview
A lipoma is a common, benign tumor composed of fatty tissue.
Historical Perspective
In 1914, Dr. Gery and colleagues first described Hibernoma, tumor of brown fat tissue.
Classification
Lipoma may be classified into different subtypes depending on the classification system. They may be classified according to the anatomical location, the related tissues or other characteristics.
Pathophysiology
Lipoma is formed from mature adipocyte cells and is histologically indistinguishable from fat tissue. Recent studies have observed cytogenetic abnormalities in 50-60% of lipomas, suggesting its role in the lipoma pathogenesis. Rearrangements of chromosome 12 are the most commonly cytogenetic abnormality. In a cross-sectional appearance, the lipoma is pale yellow to orange and has a uniform greasy surface with a lobular pattern. The subcutaneous lipoma is usually encapsulated and has a distinct lobulated pattern.
Causes
There is no established cause for lipoma. However, trauma and some genetic abnormalities have been associated with its development.
Differentiating Lipoma other Diseases
Lipoma must be differentiated from liposarcoma, normal adipose tissue, adrenal myelolipoma, angiomyolipoma, and other lipomatous tumors.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Lipoma incidence is 100 per 100,000 individuals worldwide annually. Lipoma tend to affect middle age individuals, especially those of 40 to 60 years of age. It affects men at a greater extent than women.
Risk Factors
Common risk factors in the development of lipoma are trauma and genetic factors.
Screening
There is insufficent evidence to recommend routine screening for lipoma.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Lipoma tends to affect individuals of 40 to 60 years of age. It affects trunk, shoulder, upper arm, and neck at a greater extent. They are completely benign and recurrence is one of their complications.
Diagnosis
Lipoma can be diagnosed clinically. However, a combination of clinical features and imaging studies are usually used for the diagnosis of lipoma. Biopsy may be indicated in case of rapidly enlarging mass or unusual findings such as firm consistency.
History and Symptoms
The most common symptom of lipoma is an asymptomatic slowly growing mass with a soft consistency. However, the deep lipoma may be symptomatic depending on their site and size. Symptoms include pain, restriction of movement in large lipoma, feeling of fullness or discomfort, and palpitation and dyspnea in mediastinal lipomas.