Giant lipoma in the thigh A case report

Abstract

Lipomas are the most common benign mesenchymal tumours; they are composed by mature lipocytes and are usually located in the subcutaneous tissue. They may occur at any place in which there is adipose tissue, most of them are found in the upper part of the body, especially in the trunk and neck, although they may also develop in other sites, including the hand. Most lipomas are small, weigh only a few grams, and usually the maximum diameter is smaller than 2 cm. Whereas, to be referred to as ‘’giant’’, the lipoma must be at least 10 cm in diameter or weigh a minimum of 1,000 g. Because of the excessive size, giant lipomas may cause functional limitations, such as lymphedema, pain syndromes or nerve compression. Because of the peculiarity of this condition, the great size of the lesion and the difficulties in its diagnosis and treatment, we reported a case of a giant fibrolipoma in the thigh in a 27 years old woman.