Dercum's disease, Adiposis dolorosa

Overview

Type of disease: Rare conditions

Adiposis dolorosa is a rare condition characterized by multiple, painful, fatty lipomas (benign, fatty tumors). The condition usually occurs in obese, post-menopausal women but a few cases have been reported in men. The lipomas generally occur anywhere except the face and neck and can cause severe pain. This condition is chronic and tends to be progressive. The exact cause of adiposis dolorosa is unknown. Most cases are sporadic but a few familial cases with autosomal dominant inheritance have been reported. Treatment is focused on the specific symptoms in the affected individual.Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), supported by ORDR-NCATS and NHGRI.