Angiolipoma

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Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
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Angiolipoma
Angiolipoma
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Pain, tenderness
Complications Rarely, bleeding or infection
Onset Typically in young adults
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Genetic predisposition
Risks Family history
Diagnosis Physical examination, Histopathology
Differential diagnosis Lipoma, Hemangioma, Neurofibroma
Prevention N/A
Treatment Surgical excision
Medication Analgesics for pain management
Prognosis Excellent with treatment
Frequency Common
Deaths Rare


An angiolipoma is a benign tumor composed of adipose tissue and blood vessels. It is a subtype of lipoma, which is a common soft tissue tumor. Angiolipomas are typically found in the subcutaneous tissue and are often painful, unlike regular lipomas.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Angiolipomas are usually small, well-circumscribed, and encapsulated. They are most commonly found on the forearm, trunk, and neck. The presence of numerous small blood vessels within the tumor is a distinguishing feature of angiolipomas compared to other types of lipomas.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Patients with angiolipomas often present with multiple small nodules that are tender to touch. The pain associated with angiolipomas is thought to be due to the vascular component of the tumor. These tumors are more common in young adults and have a slight male predominance.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of angiolipoma is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI to assess the extent and nature of the tumor. Definitive diagnosis is made through histopathological examination, which reveals mature adipocytes interspersed with small blood vessels.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of choice for symptomatic angiolipomas is surgical excision. This procedure is usually curative, and recurrence is rare. Asymptomatic angiolipomas may not require treatment unless they become painful or increase in size.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

The exact pathogenesis of angiolipomas is not well understood. It is hypothesized that they arise from a proliferation of adipose tissue and vascular elements. Genetic factors may play a role, as some cases have been reported in families.

Related Conditions[edit | edit source]

Angiolipomas should be differentiated from other soft tissue tumors such as liposarcoma, hemangioma, and neurofibroma. Unlike liposarcomas, angiolipomas are benign and do not metastasize.

Related pages[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD