Introduction
A lipoma is a common, benign tumour of adipocytes.
Epidemiology
- Incidence: 100.00 cases per 100,000 person-years
- Peak incidence: 50-60 years
- Sex ratio: 1:1
| <1 | 1-5 | 6+ | 16+ | 30+ | 40+ | 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+ |
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
- they are generally found in subcutaneous tissues
- rarely, they may also occur in deeper adipose tissues
- malignant transformation to liposarcoma is very rare
Clinical features
Features
- lump characteristics:
- smooth
- mobile
- painless
Investigations
The diagnosis is usually clinical based on the typical examination findings.
Management
Management
- may be observed
- if diagnosis uncertain, or compressing on surrounding structures then may be removed
Complications
Liposarcoma
Features suggestive of sarcomatous change:
In one series the presence of all 4 features was associated with up to 85% being sarcomatous.
Features suggestive of sarcomatous change:
- Size >5cm
- Increasing size
- Pain
- Deep anatomical location
In one series the presence of all 4 features was associated with up to 85% being sarcomatous.