Skin nontumor
Other dermatoses
Massive localized lymphedema
Last author update: 1 August 2011
Last staff update: 31 August 2020
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PubMed Search: Massive localized lymphedema [title]
Table of Contents
Definition / general | Clinical features | Microscopic (histologic) description | Microscopic (histologic) images | Differential diagnosis | Additional referencesCite this page: Hamodat M. Massive localized lymphedema. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/skinnontumormassivelocalizedlymphedema.html. Accessed March 24th, 2023.
Definition / general
- Huge masses in thigh, popliteal fossa, scrotum, suprapubic region, inguinal region and abdomen of morbidly obese patients, lasting 1 - 8 years
- Clinically resembles lipoma or recurrent cellulitis, but also suspicious for malignancy
- May be due to obstruction of efferent lymphatics by prior surgery, massive abdominal pannus or hypothyroidism
Clinical features
- Nonencapsulated, poorly defined, mean 51 cm (range 38 - 75 cm), mean weight 6.8 kg (range 2 - 12 kg)
- Overlying skin has marbled appearance resembling chronic lymphedema with induration and peau dÃorange
Microscopic (histologic) description
- Fibrous bands intersect lobules of adipose tissue
- Lymphatic vascular ectasia, chronic inflammatory infiltrate, edema between collagen fibers, infarction and fat necrosis
- No atypia
Microscopic (histologic) images
Contributed by Mark R. Wick, M.D.
Differential diagnosis
- Sclerosing well differentiated liposarcoma: lipoblasts, atypical stromal cells, atypical adipocytes
Additional references
