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

• Cervical Lipoma
• Lipoma of Cervix

What is Lipoma of Uterine Cervix? (Definition/Background Information)

• Lipoma of Uterine Cervix is a very uncommon benign tumor of fat tissues (adipose tissues) occurring in the uterine cervix (narrow passage connecting the uterus with the vagina)
• In general, lipomas can occur in almost every part of the body. In less than 5% of the individuals, lipomas can occur as multiple masses in different parts of the body
• Lipomas of Uterine Cervix are usually observed in adult women, older than 48-50 years (postmenopausal women); although, they may occur at any age
• Cervical Lipoma is normally painless, though in some cases, it can cause pain and discomfort. Significant signs and symptoms or complications are generally not observed
• The treatment of choice is a complete surgical excision and removal of the tumor. The prognosis of Lipoma of Uterine Cervix is excellent with suitable treatment

Who gets Lipoma of Uterine Cervix? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Adult women between 50-70 years of age are generally affected by Lipoma of Uterine Cervix, though they can occur at any age
• No racial or ethnic preference is noted
• Even though lipomas are very common, Lipoma of Cervix is a very rare tumor

What are the Risk Factors for Lipoma of Uterine Cervix? (Predisposing Factors)

No risk factors are evident for Lipoma of Uterine Cervix in a majority of the cases.

• However, certain types of lipomatous tumors are linked to certain preexisting genetic conditions
• Rarely, in some individuals, having a family history of lipoma can increase the risk. This can result in the presence of multiple lipomas at various locations in the body
• Trauma has been implicated as a risk factor occasionally
• Cervical Lipomas are observed mostly in slightly older women (postmenopausal status)

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 Lipoma of Uterine Cervix? (Etiology)

The exact cause and mechanism of Lipoma of Uterine Cervix formation is unknown.

• Chromosomal abnormalities, such as rearrangements and deletion of chromosomes, have been noted in some subtypes of lipomas
• An autosomal dominant inheritance pattern is proposed by research scientists for rare, familial cases; a condition that is termed as familial multiple lipomatosis

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lipoma of Uterine Cervix?

The signs and symptoms of Lipoma of Uterine Cervix include:

• Individuals frequently have a slow-growing tumor in the cervix; the tumor appears like a polyp
• The tumor is typically painless, but can be occasionally painful
• There may be pain during sexual intercourse
• Usually the mass is small, but some may grow to larger sizes
• Larger tumors can cause discomfort and a sense of pressure in the region
• Large tumors may also cause significant signs and symptoms such as abdominal/pelvic pain and discomfort, urination difficulties, and even lower back pain

Lipomas of different histological subtypes may be observed in the female genital tract (such as spindle cell lipoma).

How is Lipoma of Uterine Cervix Diagnosed?

Lipomas of Uterine Cervix are diagnosed using the following tools:

• Evaluation of the individual’s medical history and a thorough physical (pelvic) examination
• Ultrasound scan of the abdomen
• CT or CAT scan with contrast of the abdomen and pelvis may show a well-defined mass. This radiological procedure creates detailed 3-dimensional images of structures inside the body
• MRI scans of the abdomen and pelvis: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field to create high-quality pictures of certain parts of the body, such as tissues, muscles, nerves, and bones. These high-quality pictures may reveal the presence of the tumor
• Hysteroscopy: This procedure involves placing a probe through the cervix to examine the cavity of the uterus. This exam is helpful in detecting submucosal tumors
• Hysterosalpingography: It is usually performed in individuals with infertility. In this procedure, the structure of the uterus and fallopian tubes are studied by using a dye and X-ray images
• Colposcopy:
  • The cervix is examined with an instrument, called a colposcope. This helps the physician get a magnified view of the cervix
  • In order for this procedure to be performed, the individual has to lie on a table, as for a pelvic exam. An instrument, called the speculum, is placed in the vagina to keep the opening apart, in order to help the physician visualize the cervix. The colposcope is then used to get a magnified view of the inside

Cervical biopsy: It is the process of removing tissue for examination. In the case of Cervical Lipoma, a complete excision and removal of the tumor can help in the process of a biopsy, as well as be a means for treating the condition.

A pathologist looks at the tissue sample under a microscope, to detect any evidence of cancer. Types of cervical biopsies include:

• Colposcopic biopsy: The abnormal areas of the cervix are visualized with a colposcope. After numbing the cervix with a local anesthetic, an instrument, called a biopsy forceps, is used to get a tissue sample.  Mild cramps, pain, and some light bleeding, may occur following the procedure
• Endocervical curettage (endocervical scraping): The curette is an instrument that can be used to scrape out tissue. Using a curette, cells are scraped out from the endocervix (the inner part of the cervix, close to the uterus/womb) and examined under a microscope. Mild pain and bleeding maybe present following the procedure.

Note:

• It is extremely important to rule out the presence of a liposarcoma, which is a malignant tumor, since it can have presentations similar to a lipoma, which is a common and benign tumor
• Rarely, lipomas can show foci of calcification that can be detected on radiological studies

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 Lipoma of Uterine Cervix?

Complications due to Lipoma of Uterine Cervix could include:

• Emotional stress due to a concern for cancer
• Recurrence of the tumor after surgery (if surgery does not entirely remove the tumor)
• The presence of the tumor can lead to painful sexual intercourse
• Fertility issues due to mechanical obstruction of the cervix: Blockage of the cervical canal opening can obstruct easy passage of the sperms
• If the tumor is large and has infiltrated deep into adjoining regions, it may lead to significant risks during surgical operations, which could include damage of vital nerves, blood vessels, and other adjoining organs
• Post-surgical infection at the wound site is a potential complication

How is Lipoma of Uterine Cervix Treated?

The treatment measures for Lipoma of Uterine Cervix may include the following:

• The healthcare provider may recommend a ‘wait and watch’ approach for small-sized tumors that do not cause any significant signs and symptoms, following a diagnosis of a lipoma is established
• In general, even though lipomas may be treated using steroids and liposuction techniques, healthcare providers may advise the surgical removal of Cervical Lipomas in most cases
• Surgical intervention with complete excision can result in a complete cure. It can also help reduce the chances of tumor recurrence
  • The tumor is surgically removed while preserving the uterus in women, who wish to bear children
  • For large-sized tumors and in women whose ‘family is completed’, a hysterectomy (partial or complete removal of the uterus) may be considered, when necessary
• Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are not usually required
• Post-operative care is important: Minimum activity level is to be ensured until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important

How can Lipoma of Uterine Cervix be Prevented?

• Current medical research has not established a way of preventing Lipoma of Uterine Cervix formation
• Medical screening at regular intervals with scans and physical examinations are advised to detect any early recurrences

What is the Prognosis of Lipoma of Uterine Cervix? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Lipoma of Uterine Cervix is excellent through a complete excision and removal, since it is a benign fat tissue tumor.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Lipoma of Uterine Cervix:

There are many histological subtypes of lipomas and all subtypes are benign tumors. The lipoma subtype is usually diagnosed on a microscopic examination of the tumor sample by a pathologist and is mentioned on the pathology report.