A Case of Benign Symmetric Lipomatosis Accompanied with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis

Abstract

A 68-year-old man presented to our hospital with a gradually enlarging subcutaneous mass in the posterior neck. At initial examination, there was a soft subcutaneous tumor with a diameter of 15 cm in the nuchal region, and multiple soft subcutaneous tumors with unclear borders symmetrically distributed on the trunk and limbs. Microscopic examinations of the tumor revealed mature adipocyte proliferation. Based on the microscopic findings and a history of alcoholic liver cirrhosis / hyperuricemia, the patient was diagnosed with benign symmetric lipomatosis. Benign symmetric lipomatosis is a disease in which adipose tissue proliferates bilaterally and symmetrically, mainly in the neck, trunk, and proximal extremities, and is known to be associated with alcoholic liver injury, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia. In this study,we reviewed 125 Japanese cases, including our present case. The tumors arise predominantly in 50s and 60s men, with men overwhelmingly represented at 85%. The tumors predominantly distributed on the upper body sites, such as the neck, back and upper arms. Although there are many recurrences, surgical excision may be performed to relieve pressure on other organs or for cosmetic reasons. The pathogenesis of this disease has not been elucidated and there is no established treatment.