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Neoplasms of
Subcutaneous Fat
NEVUS LIPOMATOSUS
SUPERFICIALIS
Thomas Brenn
LIPOMATOSIS OF NERVE
(FIBROLIPOMATOUS
HAMARTOMA OF NERVE)
Epidemiology
Lipomatosis of nerve is rare and affects predominantly infants and young children. Presentation at
birth is not uncommon.54 It is only rarely seen in
young adults.
Clinical Findings
Clinical presentation is as a slowly growing mass
that may be associated with pain and paresthesia
due to compression of the affected nerve. There is a
strong predilection for the hand, including the wrist,
palm, and fingers, and, less frequently, the foot. The
median nerve and its branches followed by the
ulnar nerve are most commonly affected.54 Involvement of cranial nerves and the brachial plexus has
been reported but is exceptional.55,56 In a subset of
patients, there may be accompanying overgrowth
of bone resulting in macrodactyly.
Histologic Features
The lesions are characterized by a proliferation of
adipose and fibrous tissue within the epineurium
infiltrating along and in between nerve bundles.
There is marked concentric fibrosis affecting both
epineurium and perineurium.54 Metaplastic bone
formation may rarely occur.57
Epidemiology
Clinical Findings
The classic presentation is as multiple papules
and nodules that may coalesce to form larger
plaques. There is a predilection for the buttocks,
upper posterior thighs, and lumbar back. Occasionally, involvement may be extensive, and the
lesions may form confluent linear plaques along
the skinfolds. This phenomenon has been reported
as the Michelin tire man appearance.63,64 Solitary
lesions occur predominantly in adults and are more
likely to represent a fibroepithelial polyp containing
adipose tissue or an intradermal lipoma.
Histological Features
The histologic features show mature adipose
tissue in varying amounts within the superficial
dermis (eFig. 129-6.1).
Histological Features
Biopsy reveals a thickened dermis as well as loss
of the normal compartmentalization of fat lobules
in deep dermis and superficial subcutis. In addition,
there is thinning or loss of subcutaneous fibrous
septa.65
PRECALCANEAL CONGENITAL
FIBROLIPOMATOUS
HAMARTOMA
Epidemiology
Precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartoma, also known as pedal papules in the newborn, is
a poorly documented condition in the literature.70,71
Clinical Findings
Presentation is usually at birth or within the first
few month of life as bilateral symmetrical papules on the medial plantar aspect of the foot in a
precalcaneal location. The skin-colored nodules are
painless, measure approximately 1 cm in diameter,
and are slowly enlarging.70,71
Histological Features
Histologically, lobules of mature fat are surrounded and separated by hypocellular fibrous sheaths.
Prominent vessels are an additional finding.70,71
Clinical Findings
Spindle cell and pleomorphic lipoma present
as circumscribed, mobile masses, often with a
long-standing history. They are small, measuring
around 5 cm, and almost exclusively present on the
posterior neck, shoulder, and upper back.7987 Other
anatomic sites in the head and neck region, including the oral cavity, can occasionally be affected.91
Rarely, these tumors are multiple and familial.92,93
HIstological Features
Both tumors are circumscribed and are typically
located within the subcutis. Spindle cell lipoma is
characterized histologically by the presence of mature adipocytes admixed with bland-appearing and
uniform, stubby spindle cells in a collagenous and
myxoid stroma containing ropey collagen fibers
and conspicuous mast cells (eFigs. 129-7.3129-7.5).
Myxoid change can be prominent (eFig. 129-7.6),
and occasionally slit-like spaces resembling vascular
channels may be present (pseudoangiomatous
variant).94 Mitotic activity is virtually absent. The
characteristic feature of pleomorphic lipoma is
the presence of bizarre multinucleate giant cells,
termed floret cells. These cells show eosinophilic
cytoplasm and multiple crowded and overlapping hyperchromatic nuclei arranged in a circle or
semicircle resembling the petals of a flower (eFig.
129-7.7). As with spindle cell lipoma, there is a variably myxoid and collagenous matrix admixed with
mature adipose tissue and containing spindled to
rounded cells with hyperchromatic nuclei (eFig.
129-7.8). An inflammatory infiltrate may be present.
Occasionally, spindle cell as well as pleomorphic
lipomas arise within the dermis. These dermal tumors have features similar to those described earlier
but are less circumscribed and show an infiltrative
growth between dermal collagen bundles (eFigs.
129-7.9 and 129-7.10).95 In contrast to subcutaneous
lesions, intradermal examples show a wide anatomic distribution.
By immunohistochemical analysis, the spindle
cells express CD34 and rarely S100 protein.
Chapter 129:
Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for spindle cell and pleomorphic lipomas includes the following:
Atypical lipomatous tumor
Solitary fibrous tumor
Cellular angiofibroma
CHONDROID LIPOMA
Chondroid lipoma is a rare and benign tumor
that affects adults and shows a female predominance.
The anatomic distribution is wide, but there is
a predilection for the proximal extremities and
limb girdle.
The unique histologic features include the presence of mature adipose tissue, lipoblasts, and
a chondroid matrix.The unique histologic features include the presence of mature adipose
tissue, lipoblasts, and a chondroid matrix.
Epidemiology
Chondroid lipoma is a relatively recently recognized and exceedingly rare benign lipomatous tumor.96 It shows a predilection for adults and a wide
age distribution with a median of 36 years. There
appears to be a significant female predominance
(estimated at 1:4).96
Clinical Findings
Chondroid lipoma is a relatively small tumor
measuring approximately 5 cm. Larger examples of
over 10 cm have also been reported. It presents as
a painless circumscribed mass of variable duration
and often comes to clinical attention because of a
history of recent growth. The proximal extremities
and limb girdles are the most frequently affected
anatomic sites,96 but the trunk as well as the head
and neck region, including intraoral sites, may also
be affected.97,100102 Tumors are typically deep-seated, involving deep subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and
skeletal muscle.96 Imaging studies are rather nonspecific and show a multilobular and circumscribed
mass containing fatty elements.102104
Histologic Features
The characteristic feature of chondroid lipoma is
the admixture of a mature adipocyte component
and a chondroid matrix containing lipoblasts.96 This
well-circumscribed tumor is frequently encapsulated and multilobulated. It is composed of univacuolated and multivacuolated cells, occasionally with
eosinophilic cytoplasm, showing cytologic features
reminiscent of those of lipoblasts or chondroblasts
(eFig. 129-7.11).96 These cells contain small lipid
droplets as well as periodic acid-Schiff-positive
glycogen.96 They are arranged in cords, nests, and
strands as well as more solid areas set in a background of a chondroid matrix typically containing
chondroitin sulfates (eFig. 129-7.12).105 Intricately
admixed are variable amounts of mature adipose
tissue. Tumors can be highly vascularized and show
areas of hemorrhage, fibrosis, and calcifications.
By immunohistochemical analysis, lipoblasts are
positive for S100 protein. They are negative for
epithelial membrane antigen and smooth muscle
actin.105
Ultrastructural studies demonstrate intracytoplasmic lipid and glycogen as well as pinocytotic
vesicles. These findings support adipocyte rather
than cartilaginous differentiation.105
Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis for chondroid lipoma includes the following:
Myxoid liposarcoma
Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma
LIPOBLASTOMA/
LIPOBLASTOMATOSIS
Epidemiology
Myolipoma of soft tissue is also known as extrauterine lipoleiomyoma and is characterized by its
admixture of mature adipocyte and smooth muscular components. It is an exceedingly rare tumor occurring in adulthood, with a female predominance
of 2:1.106
Lipoblastoma/lipoblastomatosis is an uncommon
neoplasm affecting infants and young children. Its
incidence decreases significantly in those older
than 5 years of age, and presentation in adolescents
is rare.118125 Infrequently, tumors may be congenital.126128 There is a male predominance, with a male
female ratio of approximately 2:1.118124
Clinical Findings
Myolipomas can grow to a significant size and
average 15 cm. They occur in deep soft tissue of the
retroperitoneum, abdominal cavity, and inguinal
area but can also arise within subcutaneous tissue
of the trunk and extremities. Involvement of deep
structures such as skeletal muscle and fascia is frequent. Myolipomas present as palpable masses but
may be incidental findings when located at visceral
sites.
Histologic Features
Myolipoma of soft tissue is a circumscribed and at
least partially encapsulated neoplasm composed of
mature adipose tissue with evenly distributed traversing fascicles of smooth muscle. It is important
to note that there is no cytologic atypia or mitotic
activity of either component, and thick-walled vessels as seen in angiomyolipoma are absent.
By immunohistochemical analysis, the smooth
muscle component stains strongly and diffusely
positive for smooth muscle actin and desmin.
Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for myolipoma of soft
tissue includes the following:
Liposarcoma
AngiomyolipomaAngiomyolipoma
Clinical Findings
Most tumors present as painless, slowly growing,
solitary soft-tissue masses. Lipoblastomas are well
circumscribed and located in subcutaneous tissue.
In contrast, tumors with an infiltrative growth often
extend into deeper structures such as skeletal
muscle and are termed lipoblastomatosis.123 The
extremities, trunk, and head and neck are predominantly affected sites.124 Visceral involvement of
retroperitoneum, mediastinum, peritoneal cavity, or
solid organs is rarely seen.118123 Tumors are relatively small, measuring around 5 cm. However, larger
tumors of more than 20 cm have been reported. In
certain locations, tumors can become symptomatic
due to compression of adjacent structures and
organs.
Histologic Features
Lipoblastomas are well-circumscribed, lobulated
tumors with fibrous septa (eFig. 129-8.1) composed of an admixture of mature and immature
adipocytes in varying proportions (eFig. 129-8.2).
Chapter 129:
Lipoblasts are present in different stages of development ranging from univacuolated forms with
eccentrically placed and compressed nuclei to
bivacuolated and multivacuolated forms (eFigs.
129-8.3 and 129-8.4). These lipoblasts show indented and scalloped nuclei, but cytologic atypia is not
a feature (eFig. 129-8.3). Lipoblasts can be quite rare,
and some tumors are predominantly composed of
mature adipocytes. Varying amounts of a myxoid
matrix containing uniform stellate spindle cells
and a plexiform vascular pattern of capillary-sized
vessels reminiscent of myxoid liposarcoma may be
present (eFig. 129-8.4). Fibrous septa give rise to the
tumors lobulated appearance (eFig. 129-8.4). These
septa may be quite cellular in areas. Lobulation is
less pronounced in lipoblastomatosis, which has a
more infiltrative growth pattern, and often preexisting structures such as skeletal muscle fibers are
entrapped.
By immunohistochemistry, expression for S100
and CD34 is seen.124
Ultrastructurally, these tumors resemble maturing
adipose tissue rather than brown fat.119,136
Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis of lipoblastoma/lipoblastomatosis includes the following:
Myxoid liposarcoma
Atypical lipomatous tumor
Hibernoma
Lipofibromatosis
HEMOSIDEROTIC
FIBROHISTIOCYTIC LIPOMATOUS
LESION/TUMOR
Epidemiology
The exceedingly rare hemosiderotic fibrohistiocytic
lipomatous lesion or tumor was first described
by Marshall-Taylor and Fanburg-Smith 137 in 2000.
Clinical Findings
The presenting sign is a slowly growing, relatively
circumscribed subcutaneous mass ranging from 1
to 17 cm with a median size of 56 cm.137,138 There
is a strong predilection for the distal extremities,
especially the dorsal aspect of the ankle/foot as
well as less frequently the hand.137,138 Involvement of other anatomic sites is unusual. A history
of antecedent trauma is observed in a subset of
patients.137,138
Histologic Features
Hemosiderotic fibrohistiocytic lipomatous tumors
show a slightly infiltrating architecture microscopically. They are composed of three main constituents
demonstrating an adipocyte as well as a spindle cell
component and hemosiderin deposition.137,138 The
proportions of the individual components may vary,
but the adipocyte element usually predominates.
The fatty element appears mature and lobulated
and is divided by variably cellular fibrous septa. No
adipocyte hyperchromasia or atypia is observed.
The variably cellular spindle cell component is
arranged in fascicles percolating through the fatty
elements to create a honeycomb appearance.137,138
Spindle cells are short and uniform, occasionally
showing mild atypia. Mitotic activity is not a feature.
Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for hemosiderotic fibrohistiocytic lipomatous tumors includes the following:
Atypical lipomatous tumor
Plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor
LIPOFIBROMATOSIS
Epidemiology
Lipofibromatosis is an uncommon pediatric
neoplasm that predominantly affects infants at a
median age of 1 year.141144 It can be congenital,
but children and adolescents may also be affected.
There appears to be a significant male predominance.
Clinical Findings
The clinical presentation of an ill-defined, slowly
growing, painless mass ranging from 1 to 7 cm is
typical.144 Tumors are located most frequently on
the hands and feet, followed by the limbs and trunk.
Appearance on the head and neck is rare.
Histologic Features
Tumors are composed of mature adipose tissue in
addition to a bland cellular spindle cell component
arranged in short fascicles. The spindle cell element
follows the septa of the adipose tissue without
architectural distortion of its lobulation (eFigs. 1298.5 and 129-8.6). Cytologic atypia is minimal, and
mitotic figures are rare. An additional finding is the
presence of small univacuolated cells at the interface of the spindle cell and adipocyte components
(eFig. 129-8.6).
Immunohistochemical analysis may show the
spindle cells to be focally positive for CD34, S100
protein, smooth muscle actin, and epithelial
membrane antigen, but results are negative for
desmin.144
Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for lipofibromatosis
includes the following:
Fibromatosis
Fibrous hamartoma of infancy
DEDIFFERENTIATED
LIPOSARCOMA
Epidemiology
The epidemiologic features of dedifferentiated liposarcoma are similar to those of well-differentiated
liposarcoma, and it typically affects adults in the
sixth decade.170172 There is no gender predilection.
De novo presentation is most commonly seen, occurring in approximately 90% of cases. Only around
10% of cases represent dedifferentiation of a previously well-differentiated liposarcoma.170,171
Chapter 129:
Cliinical Findings
Tumors present as large painless masses with a
predilection for the retroperitoneum followed by
the limbs and paratesticular area and spermatic
cord.170172 Other sites, including the head, neck,
and trunk, are rarely affected. Presentation in the
subcutis is unusual.174
Histologic Features
The tumors are multilobulated and consist of yellow, fatty areas as well as discrete more solid areas
representing dedifferentiation. The characteristic
histologic finding is the presence of both atypical
lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma
and nonlipogenic sarcoma. The proportions may
vary, and careful gross examination and adequate
sampling may be necessary to identify the lipogenic areas. There is usually a very sharp demarcation
between lipogenic and nonlipogenic areas (eFig.
129-9.9), but a more gradual transition or comingling may also be seen. The nonlipogenic component is most frequently morphologically high grade,
showing a pleomorphic sarcoma-like (pleomorphic
and storiform malignant fibrous histiocytoma-like)
(eFigs. 129-9.10 and 129-9.11) or a myxofibrosarcoma-like appearance.170172,175 Occasionally, the area
of dedifferentiation may appear morphologically
low grade and is then composed of bland-appearing spindle cells with a fascicular arrangement.
Cellularity is significantly lower than in high-grade
areas, cytologic atypia is mild, and mitotic figures
are rare. A storiform growth reminiscent of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans may be present.170,171
Heterologous elements are present in approximately 10% of cases and include predominantly
osteosarcomatous or chondrosarcomatous as well
as myogenic differentiation. A peculiar finding is
the presence of meningothelial-like whorls often
associated with metaplastic bone formation.176,177
Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis of dedifferentiated liposarcoma includes the following:
Spindle cell liposarcoma
Pleomorphic liposarcoma
Other pleomorphic sarcomas
PLEOMORPHIC LIPOSARCOMA
Epidemiology
Pleomorphic liposarcoma is a rare tumor representing only approximately 5% of all liposarcomas and
up to 20% of pleomorphic sarcomas.190,191 It shows a
slight male predominance and presents in adulthood (median age, 5060 years). However, the age
range is wide.192194
Clinical Findings
Tumors present as enlarging firm masses, frequently with a short history. They are typically large,
deep-seated, and subfascial sarcomas measuring
810 cm in median. Presentation in subcutaneous
tissue is less frequent, and dermal location is unusual.192195 The extremities are the most frequently
affected sites, and there is a predilection for the
lower limbs. The trunk, retroperitoneum, abdomen,
mediastinum, head and neck, and pelvis may also
be involved.
Histologic Features
Tumors can be well circumscribed but unencapsulated. However, more frequently they have infiltrative margins. In its classic appearance pleomorphic liposarcoma shows features of a high-grade
Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis of pleomorphic liposarcoma includes the following:
Dedifferentiated liposarcoma
Leiomyosarcoma
Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma
Myxofibrosarcoma
Melanoma
Carcinoma