Giant lipomas

Lipomas are the most common (2.1 per 1000 people) benign tumors of the mesenchyme; they are composed of mature lipocytes and are usually located subdermally. Benign fatty tumours may arise in any location in which fat is present, the majority occurring in the upper half of the body, particularly the trunk and neck, though they may also develop in other sites, including the hand. Most patients affected by such tumours are in their fifth or sixth decade of life. Only rarely are children affected. Lipomas may be single or multiple. Multiple lipomas are more common in women; many are seen in a familial setting. For a lipoma to be referred to as “giant,” the lesion should be at least 10 cm in diameter or weigh a minimum of 1000 g. Giant lipomas should be distinguished from liposarcomas, which are of a similar size. When very close to vital structures, giant lipomas may, on account of their excessive size, cause functional limitations, such as lymphedema, pain or nerve compression syndromes. Treatment for giant lipomas is complete excision. As giant lipomas usually have a well-defined pseudocapsule, dissection of these benign neoplasms is relatively straightforward.