What is lipomatosis, and why does it sound like the entrance door to immense pain and death? The terrifying words “tumor and lump” linked to lipomatosis can be quite unsettling. It does not help either that the internet amplifies that fear by producing an endless scroll of different cancers that might be multiplying and attacking at that very moment.
Fortunately, it is less dreary. Lipomatosis is simply a collection of fatty, non-cancerous lumps composed of fat tissue. It is a common occurrence in one of every 1,000 people, and while there is no specified age range, it peaks between ages 40 and 60 and slightly more often among men.
Although generally benign, the condition may have a significant impact on quality of life through psychological/social distress, functional limitations, or pain. Understanding lipomatosis is vital for effective diagnosis and management.
Lipomatosis is a medical condition characterized by the growth of multiple lipomas in specific or various parts of the body. These growths consist of adipocytes and usually develop in the subcutaneous tissues of the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs. Some types include Dercum’s disease, Multiple Symmetrical Lipomatosis, Familial Multiple Lipomatosis, etc.
The exact cause of lipomatosis is generally uncertain and unclear, although medical researchers postulate various risk factors, namely:
People may inherit a tendency to develop multiple lipomas due to genetic mutations. These mutations can affect the growth and division of fat cells, which can be hereditary. Studies have proven that you have a 50% chance of developing lipomas if a relative had it, particularly with conditions like Familial Multiple Lipomatosis [FML].
In addition to the primary factor, genetics, lifestyle, and environmental triggers may contribute to lipomatosis. Researchers link obesity and alcohol consumption [Madelung’s disease] as lifestyle factors that contribute to lipoma formation. Environmental factors include exposure to certain toxins and chemicals.
Lipomatosis exhibits a varied age and gender distribution. This means that it can occur in men, women, and even children of all ages, but is slightly more common among men aged 40-60.
These refer to identifiable characteristics that create awareness of lipomatosis on the body. Look out for these symptoms to determine the presence of lipomatosis:
In managing these symptoms, cannabis may provide pain relief and reduce inflammation, but it does not cure, shrink, or remove lipomas.
Lipomatosis is generally harmless and non-cancerous. However, symptoms such as rapid growth, functional/mobility issues, pain and firmness, and inflammation are concerning and require medical consultation to rule out liposarcoma. Furthermore, in some cases, they can cause discomfort or complications if they press on nerves or interfere with body movement, thereby requiring immediate removal.
Given the benign nature of lipomatosis, it does not necessarily require removal or treatment except for aesthetic purposes or sensitivity of the lumps’ location. If the need arises, then these options are available.
Doctors may suggest the commonly preferred surgical excision, liposuction to suction the fat for medium to large lumps, steroid injections to shrink smaller lumps, cannabis to manage pain & inflammation, or, more recently, laser technology.
Yes. Parents with FML have a 50% chance of transferring it to their offspring, so if your parent[s] suffered from FML, there is a 50-50 possibility you will as well.
Common methods include surgical excision, liposuction. Less common methods include steroid injections and laser removal.
No. Lipomatosis are harmless, non-cancerous lumps. Doctors might suggest imaging tests for any new painful growths to rule out liposarcoma, which is a cancer that mimics lipomatosis in its early stages.
Doctors diagnose lipomatosis in several ways, such as physical examination, imaging tests [Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging [MRI], Computed Tomography [CT scan] or biopsy [to rule out liposarcoma].
No. Given the recurring tendency of lipomatosis, doctors are able to remove existing lipomas but not completely eradicate them.
Yes. The only difference is that while a lipoma is singular/independent, lipomatosis is a series of lipomas [multiple lipomas]. People use the words interchangeably.
The exact cause is often uncertain, but doctors propose a few factors that might be responsible for multiple lipomas – the primary factor being genetic/hereditary roles. Secondary factors include lifestyle factors such as obesity, and genetic conditions such as FML, Gardner syndrome, among others.
Written by Chiagozie Ekemezie
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