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

• Lipoma of Uterus
• Uterine Lipoma

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

• Lipoma of Uterine Corpus is an extremely rare and benign tumor of fat tissues (adipose tissues) occurring in the uterus. They are also known as pure fatty tumors of the uterus
• 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 Corpus are usually observed in adult women, older than 48-50 years (postmenopausal women); although, they may occur at any age
• Uterine Lipomas are seen as well-circumscribed masses that resemble fibroids. The tumors are normally painless; but in some cases, they 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 Corpus is excellent with suitable treatment

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

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

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

No risk factors are evident for Lipoma of Uterine Corpus 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
• Uterine 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 Corpus? (Etiology)

The exact cause and mechanism of Lipoma of Uterine Corpus 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 Corpus?

The signs and symptoms of Lipoma of Uterine Corpus include:

• Individuals frequently have a slow-growing tumor in the uterus; the tumor appears like a polyp
• Uterine Lipomas may mimic uterine fibroids, which are very common tumors in the uterus
• The tumor is typically painless, but can be occasionally painful
• Usually the mass is small, but some may grow to larger sizes
• There may be discomfort and a sense of pressure in the region from large-sized tumors
• Large tumors may also cause significant signs and symptoms such as abdominal/pelvic pain and discomfort, urination difficulties, and even lower back pain
• In premenopausal women, some tumors may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding; some women may see an increased menstrual bleeding

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

How is Lipoma of Uterine Corpus Diagnosed?

Lipomas of Uterine Corpus 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

Tissue biopsy:

• A tissue biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy 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. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

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 Corpus?

Complications due to Lipoma of Uterine Corpus could include:

• Recurrence of the tumor after surgery (if surgery does not entirely remove the tumor)
• Emotional stress due to a concern for cancer
• 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 Corpus Treated?

The treatment measures for Lipoma of Uterine Corpus 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, after a diagnosis of lipoma has been established
• 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
• 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

How can Lipoma of Uterine Corpus be Prevented?

• Current medical research has not established a way of preventing Lipoma of Uterine Corpus 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 Corpus? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Lipoma of Uterine Corpus 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 Corpus:

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.