Adenolipomas : a case series of 16 patients over 5 years

Abstract

Introduction: An adenolipoma is a benign, rare variant of a lipoma and is histologically very similar to a lipoma but contains eccrine glands amongst the mature adipose tissue. According to our knowledge, this case series of adenolipomas, is the largest one in the literature. The aim is to increase awareness about this variant of lipoma.

Method: The data was collected retrospectively from the histopathology department and patients’ notes.

Results: We had a total of 16 cases of adenolipomas between 2013 and 2017 in our hospital. 75% of the patients were being managed by General Surgeons. 88% of them occurred in female patients and the patients’ age varied between 15 and 64 years. The most common location of adenolipomas was the thighs and the largest diameter of the histology specimen varied between 15 and 100mm. 31% were encapsulated, 25% had apocrine glands present and 6% had myxoid changes. None of them had mast cells present. No recurrences were documented.

Conclusion: It is a benign lesion and awareness amongst pathologists is imperative so that it can be identified histologically.