What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Lipoleiomyoma
• Myolipoma of Soft Tissue

What is Myolipoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Myolipoma is a rare, soft tissue tumor that is a combination of benign fatty tissue and benign smooth muscle proliferation
• These painless, slow-growing tumors are frequently found in the abdomen and pelvis of older women, where it may grow to large sizes
• Myolipoma does not cause any significant sign or symptom, unless the tumor starts compressing adjoining organs. It may be diagnosed through imaging studies and a tissue biopsy
• The treatment of choice is a surgical removal of the entire tumor. The prognosis is excellent with appropriate treatment

Who gets Myolipoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Myolipoma is generally present in older women around 50-60 years old. These abdominal cavity tumors are mostly found in women
• However, these tumors have been observed in a wide age range affecting both males and females
• There is no geographical, racial, or ethnic preference noted

What are the Risk Factors for Myolipoma? (Predisposing Factors)

• No risk factors are evident for Myolipoma
• The tumors are normally observed in women over 50 years old

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Myolipoma? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Myolipoma occurrence is presently unknown
• Research is being performed to understand the relevant causative factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Myolipoma?

The signs and symptoms of Myolipoma include:

• It is present as a solid mass of solitary tumor, mostly growing inside the retroperitoneal cavity (in the abdomen) and pelvis. They may develop at other locations too
• These tumors can gradually develop to large sizes over many years (about 10-20 cm in size), since there is sufficient space within the retroperitoneum
• Mostly, these tumors appear as painless masses
• Signs and symptoms may be observed when large tumors compress and restrict the surrounding organs

In the retroperitoneal space, the tumor may not cause any symptoms for a long period of time, until it grows to a large size and compresses the adjacent organs in the abdomen. This is one of the reasons why retroperitoneal tumors remain undetected during their early development stage.

How is Myolipoma Diagnosed?

Myolipoma diagnosis may involve the following tools:

• Complete physical examination with thorough evaluation of medical history
• Ultrasound, CT, MRI scans of the abdomen or pelvic region
• Tissue biopsy: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, where it is examined under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
• Differential diagnosis, to eliminate other tumor types is considered, before arriving at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Myolipoma?

The possible complications of Myolipoma include:

• Large tumors in the abdominal cavity can result in weight loss, abdominal pain, frequent urination, and kidney failure due to compression of the kidney
• Damage of vital nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding structures, during surgery to remove to remove the Myolipoma
• Stress and anxiety

How is Myolipoma Treated?

Following are the treatment methods adopted for Myolipoma:

• Complete excision and removal of the tumor with clear margins is normally sufficient treatment
• Post-operative care is important: One must maintain minimum activity levels, until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important, since the tumor can recur in some cases

How can Myolipoma be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Myolipoma.

What is the Prognosis of Myolipoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Myolipoma is generally excellent on surgical excision and removal of the tumor. It is a rare and benign tumor
• However, periodic follow-up check-ups with screening exams may be recommended

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Myolipoma:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/