Constipation is also common in individuals with muscular and myotonic dystrophy.Systemic diseases that may present with constipation include celiac disease and systemic sclerosis.Constipation has a number of structural (mechanical, morphological, anatomical) causes, namely through creating space-occupying lesions within the colon that stop the passage of stool, such as colorectal cancer, strictures, rectocoles, anal sphincter damage or malformation and post-surgical changes. Extra-intestinal masses such as other malignancies can also lead to constipation from external compression.Constipation also has neurological causes, including anismus, descending perineum syndrome, and Hirschsprungs disease. In infants, Hirschsprungs disease is the most common medical disorder associated with constipation. Anismus occurs in a small minority of persons with chronic constipation or obstructed defecation.Spinal cord lesions and neurological disorders such as Parkinsons disease and pelvic floor dysfunction can also lead to constipation. Chagas disease may cause constipation through the destruction of the myenteric plexus. Psychological
Voluntary withholding of the stool is a common cause of constipation. The choice to withhold can be due to factors such as fear of pain, fear of public restrooms, or laziness. When a child holds in the stool a combination of encouragement, fluids, fiber, and laxatives may be useful to overcome the problem. Early intervention with withholding is important as this can lead to anal fissures. Congenital
A number of diseases present at birth can result in constipation in children. They are as a group uncommon with Hirschsprungs disease (HD) being the most common.
Genetic studies in mice have shown a correlation between the HMG I-C gene (previously identified as a gene related to obesity) and lipoma development. These studies support prior epidemiologic data in humans showing a correlation between HMG I-C and mesenchymal tumors.Cases have been reported where minor injuries are alleged to have triggered the growth of a lipoma, called a "post-traumatic lipoma". However, the link between trauma and the development of lipomas is controversial. Other conditions
Lipomatosis is believed to be a hereditary condition in which multiple lipomas are present on the body.Adiposis dolorosa (Dercum disease) is a rare condition involving multiple painful lipomas, swelling, and fatigue. Early studies mentioned prevalence in obese postmenopausal women. However, current literature demonstrates that Dercum disease is present in more women than men of all body types; the average age for diagnosis is 35 years.Benign symmetric lipomatosis (Madelung disease) is another condition involving lipomatosis. It nearly always appears in middle-aged males after many years of alcoholism, but nonalcoholic males and females can also be affected. Diagnosis
A physical exam is typically the easiest way to diagnose it. Rarely, a tissue biopsy or imaging may be required. The imaging modality of choice is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because it has superior sensitivity of distinguishing it from liposarcoma as well as mapping the surrounding anatomy. Treatment
Usually, treatment of lipomas is not necessary, unless they become painful or restrict movement.