What is a fibrolipoma (benign tumor composed of fibrous and fatty tissue)?

From the Guidelines

A fibrolipoma is a benign tumor composed of fibrous and fatty tissue, which is essentially a type of lipoma with a mix of fat and fibrous components, but the provided evidence does not directly discuss fibrolipoma, instead it focuses on the differential diagnosis between lipoma and atypical lipomatous tumours (ALT). The evidence provided in the UK guidelines for the management of soft tissue sarcomas 1 does not directly address fibrolipomas, but it discusses the diagnosis and management of lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumours (ALT), which can be relevant in understanding the approach to benign tumors with fatty and fibrous components. Some key points from the guidelines include:

• The use of MRI with expert review to differentiate between large, deep lipomas and ALT/WDL in up to 69% of cases 1.
• The importance of molecular demonstration by fluorescence in-situ hybridisation of amplification of the MDM-2 cell cycle oncogene to differentiate between lipomas and ALT/well-differentiated liposarcoma 1.
• The role of surgical resection in the treatment of ALT, with excellent prognosis and low rates of local recurrence 1. In the context of fibrolipomas, while the evidence does not directly address this specific type of tumor, the general approach to benign soft tissue tumors would prioritize a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including imaging and potentially biopsy, to determine the nature of the tumor and guide management decisions. Surgical excision is likely to be the standard treatment for fibrolipomas, given their benign nature, with the goal of complete removal of the tumor and relief of any associated symptoms. It is essential to note that the evidence provided does not directly discuss fibrolipomas, and therefore, the management approach would be based on the general principles of treating benign soft tissue tumors, with a focus on minimizing morbidity, mortality, and optimizing quality of life.

From the Research

Definition and Characteristics of Fibrolipoma

• Fibrolipoma is a benign tumor composed of fibrous and fatty tissue, characterized by the presence of prominent bundles of mature fibrous tissue traversing the fatty lobules 2.
• It is a histological variant of lipoma, a benign soft tissue mesenchymal neoplasm 3, 4.
• Fibrolipomas can occur in various locations, including the oral cavity, attached gingiva, fingers, and legs 3, 4, 2, 5.

Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis

• Fibrolipomas typically present as soft, smooth-surfaced nodular masses that can be pedunculated or sessile 6.
• They can cause functional and cosmetic disabilities, especially when located in the oral cavity 3, 6.
• Diagnosis is made through histopathologic and immunohistochemistry evaluation, which is essential for differentiating fibrolipoma from other benign and malignant lesions 4.

Treatment and Prognosis

• Surgical excision is the gold standard for treatment of fibrolipoma 4, 5.
• Accurate differential diagnosis, careful histological examination, and periodic follow-up are essential to ensure complete removal of the tumor and prevent recurrence 4, 6.
• The prognosis is generally good, with no signs of recurrence reported in most cases after surgical excision 4, 5.