lipomen

Lipomen are benign tumors that arise from adipose (fat) tissue. In English, the corresponding term is lipomas; lipomen is used in several languages as the plural form. They are the most common soft tissue tumors in adults and typically grow slowly.

Most lipomen are subcutaneous, presenting as soft, round or oval, movable lumps beneath the skin. They are usually painless and non-tender, and many people notice them incidentally. They can occur anywhere but are most often found on the trunk, shoulders, neck, and arms. Rarely, lipomen can develop within muscles (intramuscular lipomas) or internal organs (visceral lipomas). Risk factors include age (often middle-aged or older adults) and certain genetic conditions such as familial multiple lipomatosis, which causes numerous lipomas.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on appearance and palpation. Imaging is used when the diagnosis is uncertain or to evaluate unusual features: ultrasound commonly shows a well-defined, homogeneous, hyperechoic mass; MRI can confirm fat content with characteristic signal on fat-saturated sequences. A biopsy is reserved for atypical cases or when malignancy cannot be excluded, particularly if a mass grows rapidly, becomes painful, or fixed to deeper structures.

Treatment is generally not required for asymptomatic lipomen. When removal is desired for cosmetic reasons or if the lesion causes discomfort, complete surgical excision is the standard approach; liposuction may be an alternative in some cases. Recurrence is possible, especially with incomplete excision, and is more likely in individuals with familial lipomatosis.

Prognosis for lipomen is excellent, given their benign nature. Malignant transformation into liposarcoma is rare but warrants prompt evaluation if new or suspicious changes occur.