Lipoma

Question 1

Define:

Answer 1

Slow growing benign tumours that are often found in the subcutaneous tissue

Question 2

Aetiology:

Answer 2

Benign tumours of adipocytes

Occur where ever there is fat that can expand so not scalp or palms

Question 3

Conditions associated with:

Answer 3

o Familial multiple lipomatosis
o Gardner’s syndrome
o Dercum’s disease – causes multiple scattered lipomas which may be painful, typically in post-menopausal women
o Madelung’s disease
• Liposarcoma - rare malignant tumour of adipose tissue - suspect if rapid growth/hardening/vascularisation

Question 4

Epidemiology:

Answer 4

At any age but mainly 40-60 years.

Relatively common

Question 5

Symptoms and signs:

Answer 5

Most are asymp but compression of the nerves leads to pain

Smooth normal surface

Firm/soft nodule

Hint of fluctuance

Skin coloured

Most are <5cm in diameter

Soft/doughy feel

Question 6

Investigations:

Answer 6

Often clinical diagnosis

US/MRI/CT if in doubt