Lipomatosis causes benign lipomas to grow in fatty tissue areas, with various types affecting different parts of the body. Treatment depends on size and location, with surgery often necessary for growths near vital organs. Lipomatosis has no cure or prevention.
Lipomatosis is a condition that causes lipomas to grow in fatty areas of tissue. Generally, a lipoma is a benign growth and does not grow as rapidly as a cancerous tumor. Most lipomas are present on the chest, extremities or shoulders, but there are cases where the lipomas are present internally.
If a lipoma can be felt in the muscle or fat area, it is soft and oval or round in shape. Although it is connected to the fabric, it can be slightly displaced. If the lipoma is on or near a nerve, the pressure can cause pain.
Virchow’s metamorphosis is a type of lipomitosis. In this form, lipomas grow in the heart and salivary glands. If lipomas are found in these areas, surgery may be needed to remove the lipomas and prevent life-threatening complications.
Pelvic lipomatosis is a second type. Lipomas grow in the pelvic area. Glandulitis cystitis and adenocarcinoma are two conditions that usually follow the growth of pelvic lipomas. These two conditions affect the bladder.
Familial lipomatosis multiplex is a hereditary condition that often leads to the appearance of lipomas. It can be found in later generations. Similar to other forms, lipomas are usually limited to the chest and extremities.
Treatment varies depending on the size and location of the lipomas. When growths occur on or near vital organs, surgical removal is almost always done. For other areas, lipomas are usually only removed if they are abnormally large, painful, or restrict movement.
Lipomas that result from lipomatosis can be surgically removed. A small incision is made for access. The lipoma is then cut away from the tissue it is attached to and the incision is stitched.
Liposuction can be used to remove small lipomas, but is often not effective for larger ones. Larger lipomas are more difficult to remove. Suction may not absorb all of the lipoma, resulting in regrowth. Smaller lipomas are not connected to as much tissue as larger ones.
Endoscopic removal is used for more dangerous lipomas, such as those growing in the lungs, heart, or other areas where typical surgery is too risky. A special scope is used to navigate to the lipoma. It is then carefully removed with a tool attached to the scope.
Lipomatosis has no cure or way to prevent lipomas from growing. Although most lipomas grow during adolescence, they can appear at any age, from infancy to old age. Lipomas can grow singly and spread, or they can grow in clusters and in only one area of the body.
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