From the Guidelines
A lipofibroma is a benign tumor composed of both fat cells and fibrous connective tissue, considered a variant of lipoma with a higher content of fibrous tissue. This definition is based on the understanding of soft tissue tumors, including lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumors (ALT), as described in recent guidelines 1.
Key Characteristics
- Lipofibromas are rare soft tissue growths that typically appear as painless, slow-growing masses under the skin.
- They are considered benign and are composed of both adipose tissue and fibrous connective tissue.
- These tumors can develop anywhere in the body where fat is present and are often found in subcutaneous tissues.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- The diagnosis of lipofibromas and other soft tissue tumors can be challenging and may involve imaging studies like MRI, as well as molecular tests to differentiate them from more aggressive tumors like ALT/well-differentiated liposarcoma 1.
- Surgical resection is the usual treatment for benign tumors like lipofibromas, with the goal of complete removal to prevent recurrence.
- The approach to treatment may vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences.
Prognosis
- The prognosis for lipofibromas is generally excellent, with minimal risk of recurrence after complete surgical excision.
- As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, but these are typically minimal for the removal of benign soft tissue tumors.
- Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider may be recommended to monitor for any signs of recurrence or new tumor growth.
From the Research
Definition of Lipofibroma
- A lipofibroma is a rare, benign, but infiltrative, soft tissue tumor seen in children, as described in studies 2, 3.
- It is characterized by abundant adipose tissue admixed with a spindle cell component, often concentrated in septal and perimysial locations 3.
- Lipofibromas can appear as large, solitary, slow-growing, pedunculated to dome-shaped, skin-colored nodules or plaques, with a predilection for the buttock, upper thigh, back, shoulder, knee, neck, and ear 4.
Types of Lipofibromas
- Lipofibromatosis is a type of lipofibroma that arises preferentially in the distal extremities, as reported in studies 2, 3.
- Pedunculated lipofibroma is a relatively rare form of benign connective tissue proliferation characterized by ectopic fatty tissue in the dermis 4.
- Lipofibromatous hamartoma of nerve is an uncommon, benign, fibrofatty tumor that can involve peripheral nerve tissue 5.
Characteristics of Lipofibromas
- Lipofibromas are typically painless and slow-growing, with masses ranging in size from 2 to 6 cm 2.
- They can involve the distal extremities, trunk, or other areas, and can infiltrate into adjacent skeletal muscle 2, 3.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows lipomatous lesions with varying amounts of adipose and solid components, without capsules at the periphery of the lesions 2.