Adenolipomas are usually asymptomatic, soft nodules that aren't tender, and are slow-growing.[3] In the case of thyroid adenolipomas, breathing restrictions may be present.[4]
Causes
The cause of adenolipomas is unknown. Theories include improper development in the embryo and invasion from connective tissue.[5]
Diagnosis
Adenolipomas are diagnosed by surgical resection and examining the tumor with a microscope.[5] The presence of eccrine sweat glands are used to distinguish the tumor from a common lipoma. Size and the development of the capsule (tissue surrounding the tumor) can also aid in diagnosis. [6]
Treatment
Adenolipomas are benign tumors, meaning they have no potential to become malignant (cancerous). Surgery is curative,[1] however, adenolipomas can reoccur.[4]
History
Adenolipomas are a relatively recent diagnosis, being first described by Hitchcock et al. in 1993 in a case series. Ait-Ourhrouil and Grosshans later made another case series, disagreeing with the given name and proposing the term peri-sudoral lipoma.[1]
