Lipoma overview
|
Lipoma Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Lipoma overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Lipoma overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
A lipoma is a common, benign tumor composed of fatty tissue.
Historical Perspective
In 1914, Dr. Gery and colleagues first described Hibernoma, tumor of brown fat tissue.
Classification
Lipoma may be classified into different subtypes depending on the classification system. They may be classified according to the anatomical location, the related tissues or other characteristics.
Pathophysiology
Lipoma is formed from mature adipocyte cells and is histologically indistinguishable from fat tissue. Recent studies have observed cytogenetic abnormalities in 50-60% of lipomas, suggesting its role in the lipoma pathogenesis. Rearrangements of chromosome 12 are the most commonly cytogenetic abnormality. In a cross-sectional appearance, the lipoma is pale yellow to orange and has a uniform greasy surface with a lobular pattern. The subcutaneous lipoma is usually encapsulated and has a distinct lobulated pattern.