Аtypical giant lipomas

Abstract

Background: The giant lipomas represent benign tumors of soft tissues. They are come across rather seldom and require a surgical treatment. According to the data of different studies, single lipomas are more common for women, while multiple lipomas are mainly characteristic of men. These tumors can develop at any age however they are rarely detected in children and youths. Patients usually describe lipomas as slowly growing formations, which do not cause any discomfort. Material and methods: A short characteristic of giant lipomas as well as two cases of atypical giant lipomas – on the neck and retroperitoneal region – are reported in this paper. In the latter cases the giant lipomas have been removed surgically. A histological analysis has confirmed the primary diagnosis. The postoperative course has been uneventful. Results: Roughly 60% of single cutaneous lipomas contain clonal genetic changes: the most frequent chromosomal aberrations include breaks of 12q13-15, but there can be changes in the arms of 6p and 13q. These mutations are not characteristic of the multiple lipomas. Typically, lipomas are identified in the subcutaneous tissues of the trunk and upper limbs, but they can seldom be found in internal organs. Conclusions: At the first examination retroperitoneal lipomas can be taken for gastro-intestinal tumors. Abdominal lipomas are usually identified only when they become giant. Large-sized lipomas can compress the blood vessels and nerves in the vicinity and, as a result, induce abnormalities in blood circulation and paresthesia. There are difficulties in the surgical treatment of large, unusually located lipomas, which compress blood vessels, main nerves and internal organs.