3.2.5 Lipoma

Grading & Level of Importance: B

Review:

2026

W. Burgdorf, Munich; A. Salam, J. McGrath, London
Revised by: M. Bagot, Paris; G. Dobos, Paris; A. De Masson, Paris

Overview:

ICD-11
Synonyms
Epidemiology
Definition
Aetiology & Pathogenesis
Signs & Symptoms
Localisation
Classification
Laboratory & other workups
Dermatopathology
Course
Complications
Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis
Prevention & Therapy
Special

ICD-11

2E80.0

Synonyms

Fatty tumor or steatoma.

Epidemiology

Relatively frequent tumor. Lipomas occur in 1-2% of the adult population. Males > females.

Lipoma is a relatively frequent benign tumor, more frequent in male, older than 30 years. Lipomas occur in 1-2% of the population.

Definition

Adipocytic tumors are benign soft tumors of the skin, arising from the subcutaneous fat tissue.

Aetiology & Pathogenesis

Most frequently spontaneous but there may be a genetic predisposition (see subtypes).

Signs & Symptoms

Rubbery feeling, Indolent (slowly growing), soft, mobile, circumscribed, round, subcutaneous mass.

Localisation

Lipoma may be solitary, multiple or disseminated, and may occur anywhere.

Lipoma may be solitary, multiple or disseminated, and may occur on the trunk, upper extremities, shoulders, nuchal region or face.

Classification

Single or multiple (lipomatosis) non-pain associated lipomas
Subtypes: familial multiple lipomatosis, adiposis dolorosa (Dercum disease), a condition marked painful lipomas. Familial multiple lipomatosis, a hereditary condition that causes multiple lipomas. Benign symmetric lipomatosis (Madelung disease), a rare condition marked by lipomas forming around the upper body.

Single or multiple (lipomatosis) non-pain associated lipomas
Subtypes: Launois Bensaude lipomatosis is characterized by multiple symmetric lipomatous masses in the face, neck, upper trunk and upper arms, and is frequently linked to alcoholism. Adiposis dolorosa (Dercum disease), is a condition marked by painful lipomas. Familial multiple lipomatosis, is a hereditary condition that causes multiple lipomas. Benign symmetric lipomatosis (Madelung disease), is a rare condition marked by lipomas forming around the upper body.

Laboratory & other workups

No laboratory tests are needed. Ultrasound.

Dermatopathology

Well limited fatty tissue lobules, frequently with a connective tissue capsule. Lipomas with vessel proliferation: angiolipomas; lipomas with connective tissue proliferation: fibrolipomas and mixed types: angiofibrolipomas.

The histological examination of the lesion shows well limited fatty tissue lobules, frequently with a connective tissue capsule. Lipomas with vessel proliferation are angiolipomas; lipomas with connective tissue proliferation: fibrolipomas and mixed types: angiofibrolipomas. Malignant transformation is exceptional.

Course

The typical course is a slow growth followed by stabilization.

Complications

Pressure on adjacent tissues and vessel thrombosis within the lipoma may rarely lead to pain, esthetic discomfort.

Diagnosis

Clinical characteristic features, ultrasonography, and histological confirmation if needed.

Differential Diagnosis

Malignant liposarcoma (well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDL) / atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT) must be suspected if the tumor is rapidly growing or painful, and in this case the lesion must be removed surgically for histopathological examination. Other differential diagnoses: cysts, connective tissue tumours, benign symmetrical lipomatosis.

The most important differential diagnosis is malignant liposarcoma, which must be suspected if the tumor is rapidly growing or painful. If liposarcoma is suspected, the lesion must be removed surgically for histopathological examination. Other differential diagnoses include cysts, connective tissue tumours, benign symmetrical lipomatosis, or panniculitis.