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

• Nevus Lipomatosis of Hoffman and Zurhelle
• Nevus Lipomatosus Cutaneus Superficialis (Hoffmann-Zurhelle)
• NLCS (Nevus Lipomatosus Cutaneous Superficialis)

What is Nevus Lipomatosus? (Definition/Background Information)

• Nevus Lipomatosus is a rare, benign tumor of the soft tissue, which can occur anywhere in the body. They may occur as nodules or as plaques on the skin
• In a majority of the cases, the tumor is present as a single nodule; though rarely, it can occur as multiple nodules too
• Sometimes, a congenital presentation has also been observed. Usually Nevus Lipomatosus presents within the first five decades of life
• The cause and risk factors for Nevus Lipomatosus remains unknown.
• A complete surgical excision of Nevus Lipomatosus is considered curative. The prognosis of the skin tumor on its surgical removal is excellent

Who gets Nevus Lipomatosus? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Nevus Lipomatosus can affect individuals of any age group, but is usually noticed between the ages of 30 and 50 years
• Both males and females can be affected
• The condition is observed worldwide; no geographical localization of Nevus Lipomatosus has been reported
• There is also no ethnic or racial preference for this condition

What are the Risk Factors for Nevus Lipomatosus? (Predisposing Factors)

• The risk factors for Nevus Lipomatosus are presently unknown

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 Nevus Lipomatosus? (Etiology)

• The cause of Nevus Lipomatosus is presently unknown
• Researchers have documented certain genetic changes within the tumor. However, cases where these specific genetic mutations have been observed are rare. Thus, currently, studies regarding genetic changes are limited

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Nevus Lipomatosus?

The presentations are based on the location of the tumor. The signs and symptoms of Nevus Lipomatosus include:

• It can occur either as a nodule or as a plaque. The nodules are normally painless and slow-growing
• They are usually present as a single nodule under the skin. Rarely, the tumor can occur as multiple nodules too
• The masses are usually firm to touch and well-defined
• Sometimes, the tumors have been observed to be present at birth
• The skin nodules are not painful. The skin over the nodule may be brownish-red and are generally intact
• The nodule is typically less than 3 cm in size (along the larger dimension)
• The tumor usually occurs in the subcutaneous tissue

The most common sites of Nevus Lipomatosus include the:

• Skin of the chest
• Back
• Head and neck areas

If the skin over the tumor ulcerate, it can produce foul-smelling discharge

How is Nevus Lipomatosus Diagnosed?

A Nevus Lipomatosus is a slow-growing tumor underneath the skin. The following are the diagnostic tools for the tumor:

• A thorough physical examination and a complete medical history are very crucial
• Dermoscopy: Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Tissue biopsy of the tumor: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, who 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
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, histochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold-standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Differential diagnosis, to eliminate other tumor types are often 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 Nevus Lipomatosus?

No significant complications due to Nevus Lipomatosus have been reported in majority of cases.

• In some cases, foul-smelling discharge can occur due to ulceration
• In some rare cases, the tumor may recur after surgical excision

How is Nevus Lipomatosus Treated?

In majority of cases, no treatment is necessary for Nevus Lipomatosus. Treatment is usually provided for cosmetic issues the tumor may create. These include:

• Complete surgical removal (curative surgical excision) of the tumor
• Also, in most cases, the tumor does not recur after a complete surgical excision

How can Nevus Lipomatosus be Prevented?

The cause of Nevus Lipomatosus is unknown, and hence, there are no known methods to prevent tumor occurrence. 

What is the Prognosis of Nevus Lipomatosus? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Nevus Lipomatosus is excellent on its surgical removal, in most cases
• Rarely, the tumor may recur following its surgical removal

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Nevus Lipomatosus:

The following tumors should be considered as differential diagnosis:

• Neurofibroma
• Skin tags (acrochordon)
• Lymphangioma
• Nevus sebaceous
• Hemangioma