Familial multiple lipomatosis is a hereditary adipose tissue disorder that is characterized by the formation of multiple lipomas that occur in a particular distribution. The lipomas are well-encapsulated, slow-growing, benign fatty tumors. The distribution is defined as being focused in the trunk of the body and extremities. Familial Multiple Lipomatosis can be identified when multiple lipomas occur in multiple family members that span different generations. Some people may have hundreds of lipomas present. Symptoms
The source of this disease is from family history, and symptoms most often arise in middle age. Newly formed lipomas frequently present themselves as a bead-like lump under the skin, and become rubbery and movable. They may be seen throughout the body and in some areas more than others, however, it does not make an appearance on the head or shoulders of the individual. The size of those bumps may vary and could possibly get in the way of an individual living their life peacefully. There are usually no feelings of discomfort or pain unless a lipoma has been aggravated or is directly on a nerve. Lipomas that sit over bony areas such as the ribs and lower back can cause discomfort when lying down or receiving any kind of pressure. The age at which familial multiple lipomatosis begins to make an appearance on the individual’s body varies; for some it may be as early as 5 years of age.
Treatment
The only effective treatments for lipomas caused by familial multiple lipomatosis are liposuction or surgical removal. Steroid injections may also be used to shrink the tumors by causing local fat atrophy. Patients with the condition often seek removal when the lipomas are large, disfiguring, or cause pain. This may be done by a dermatologist or other surgeon. In the majority of cases where one to a few subcutaneous lipomas are being excised, the procedure is done under local anaesthetic and the patient can resume most normal activities immediately afterward. Over-the-counter pain medications are generally sufficient in the following days and long-term scarring is minimal. Regrowth is rare because lipomas are usually well-encapsulated and are therefore removed entirely although more new lipomas may start to grow in the same area.Therapeutic treatments that are recommended for adipose tissue disorders include improving lymphatic flow through exercise and massage, following an anti-inflammatory diet, and reducing non-disordered fat tissue when necessary. Weight loss has not been shown to eliminate lipomas but may help reduce overall inflammation and influence hormone levels. While there is no total cure for FML to stop the growth of new lipomas, most of the growths can remain untreated and rarely cause medical complications.