From the Research
Angiolipomas are benign tumors that should be treated with surgical excision if they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns, as this approach has been shown to be effective in removing the tumor with minimal complications and low recurrence rates. The diagnosis of angiolipoma can be made using various imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, fine needle aspiration biopsy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging 1. These tumors are typically small, painful nodules under the skin, and are most commonly found on the forearms, trunk, and upper extremities in young adults. Some key characteristics of angiolipomas include:
- They are usually less than 2 cm in size
- They are firm to the touch
- They may cause tenderness or pain when pressed
- They contain numerous small blood vessels, which explains why they can be painful
- They are benign and do not transform into cancer Regular monitoring is sufficient for asymptomatic angiolipomas that don't require immediate removal. However, if an angiolipoma is causing symptoms or is large in size, treatment options such as surgical excision, selective arterial embolization, or ablative therapies may be considered, as seen in the management of renal angiomyolipoma 2. It's worth noting that the exact cause of angiolipomas remains unclear, but they may have a genetic component as they sometimes run in families. In addition, novel research suggests that various strategies using magnetic resonance imaging, including chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging, have the potential to differentiate fat poor angiomyolipoma from renal cell carcinoma 2. Overall, the management of angiolipomas should be individualized based on the size, location, and symptoms of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences.