Familial multiple lipomatosis (FML) is a genetic disorder characterized by numerous lipomas in the extremities or abdominal area. This rare condition is thought to be hereditary like lipedema, and is likely an autosomal dominant disorder, which means there is a pattern of inheritance.
Lipomas are growths of fat cells intertwined within tissues and fibers beneath the skin and can be found throughout the body. Lipoma clusters are usually benign tumors, but they still require a professional examination and care to determine the proper diagnosis and treatment if necessary.
How Is Familial Multiple Lipomatosis (FML) Diagnosed?
Diagnosing FML requires a specialist in fat disorders, like Dr. Jaime Schwartz, to assess symptoms, family history, and perform the necessary medical evaluations.
Key Factors in Diagnosing FML
- Genetic Link: FML is hereditary, typically seen in adult women with a family history of lipomas.
Physical Examination: Lipomas are usually soft, doughy in texture, and painless, but can grow in size and number.
Biopsy & Imaging: A biopsy or imaging tests may be performed to rule out other conditions, such as cancerous masses.
Even if a patient has lipedema, any new or suspicious lumps should be examined by a board-certified plastic surgeon and fat disorder specialist.
What Are Lipomas?
Lipomas are an accumulation of fatty tissue or clusters beneath the skin’s surface. These growths can be associated with a rare disorder called Dercum’s disease (DD) and are generally left untreated unless they become painful or impede a patient’s mobility.
This increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue can be present in the upper arms, shoulders, neck, thighs, or midsection. Lipomas are soft to the touch and doughy in texture, and they are generally small in size. Although lipomas are considered a noncancerous growth, they should be examined by a professional to ensure a proper diagnosis.
Dr. Schwartz is skilled in diagnosing and treating patients with lipomas, along with other conditions that accompany these growths, such as lipedema.
What Is Familial Multiple Lipomatosis?
Familial Multiple Lipomatosis (FML) is a genetic disorder characterized by the development of multiple lipomas—benign fatty tumors—primarily in the extremities, abdomen, arms, and thighs. This condition is hereditary and is believed to follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning it often runs in families across generations.
While FML is not life-threatening, the clusters of lipomas can become large or numerous, leading to discomfort, self-consciousness, or mobility issues. In some cases, surgical removal or liposuction may be necessary if the lipomas cause pain or interfere with daily life.
How is FML Diagnosed?
The leading cause of lipomas with FML is genetics. This condition is generally seen only in adult women, and the underlying cause of lipomas seems to be an inheritance factor. A specialist like Dr. Schwartz has the experience to diagnose this condition, which is rarely serious but often confused with a possibly cancerous mass.
Even if they have been diagnosed with lipedema, any patient who discovers a lump or growth should seek a professional opinion. Once the mass has been biopsied to rule out any other possibilities, Dr. Schwartz can address the condition and discuss possible treatment options.
Treatment Options for Familial Multiple Lipomatosis
When multiple lipomatosis or growths occur, they are generally painless and small in size but can make a person feel self-conscious. Surgical removal or liposuction may be necessary primarily if the cluster of lipomas has grown in size or number, or is causing pain. In some instances, patients want lipomas removed for aesthetic reasons.
Working closely with a specialist and plastic surgeon like Dr. Schwartz can ensure that patients get the right treatment. Surgical removal is possible through a small incision to extract the lipoma at the target site. Liposuction can also be an option to remove lipomas underneath the skin’s surface through an outpatient procedure at Total Lipedema Care.
Research is consistently being done to further the medical community’s knowledge about fat disorders like Dercum’s disease, lipedema, and FML. The similarities between these genetic disorders can make it challenging to get properly diagnosed or find the right treatment options.
Scheduling a consultation with lipedema specialist and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz can get you headed in the right direction.
Total Lipedema Care was established by Dr. Schwartz to help patients with fat disorders like FML and lipedema, and the skilled staff can offer helpful resources and effective treatment options.
Take Control of Your Health Today
With advanced medical technology and more knowledge about these diseases, patients today don’t have to suffer like past generations. Dr. Schwartz and the trained staff at Total Lipedema Care can help you get a proper diagnosis and get you started with the right support and treatment options.
If you are concerned about lipedema, FML, or Dercum’s disease, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jaime Schwartz at Total Lipedema Care in Beverly Hills, CA, today.