Definition

Noun: A pathological condition characterized by the formation of multiple lipomas (benign tumors composed of fatty tissue) throughout the body.

Usage

This is a medical term used specifically in pathology and clinical contexts to describe a disease state. It is typically used by healthcare professionals when discussing diagnoses, symptoms, or rare disorders.

Examples

• The patient was diagnosed with lipomatosis after several soft, movable lumps were found under the skin.
• Lipomatosis can sometimes be associated with pain or discomfort if the growths press on nerves.
• Familial multiple lipomatosis is a hereditary form of the condition.

Advanced Usage

• Benign symmetric lipomatosis (Madelung's disease): A specific subtype often characterized by large, symmetrical fatty deposits around the neck and shoulders.
  • Benign symmetric lipomatosis is more frequently observed in men with a history of alcohol use.

Variants and Related Words

• Lipoma (n): A single, benign, slow-growing tumor of fatty tissue.
  • The surgeon removed a solitary lipoma from her back.
• Lipomatous (adj): Relating to or resembling a lipoma or lipomatosis.
  • The biopsy confirmed the lipomatous nature of the tissue.

Synonyms

• Multiple lipomas (descriptive phrase)
• Adiposis dolorosa (Dercum's disease, a related but distinct condition involving painful fatty deposits)

Notes on Meaning

The term refers specifically to the condition of having multiple lipomas. It is distinct from simple obesity or generalized fat accumulation, as the fat is localized in discrete, tumor-like nodules.

Noun

1. pathology in which fat accumulates in lipomas in the body