Published in:
01-12-2004 | Case Report
Benign symmetric lipomatosis (Madelung’s disease) complicated by involvement of the facial nerve
Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery | Issue 6/2004
Login to get accessAbstract
Benign symmetrical lipomatosis (Madelung’s disease) is a rare disease of unknown etiology which is characterized by the diffuse growth of non-encapsulated lipomas, usually on the neck and upper trunk. Given the benign nature of the lesion, surgical debulking is the treatment of choice, with liposuction reserved for smaller lesions. A 60-year-old man presented in our clinic with progressive tumor growth especially in the cheek. Intraoperatively all branches of the facial nerve were found to be covered by the lipoma. Although Madelung’s disease is a benign lesion, the location of lipoma with possible involvement of vital structures may influence the choice of treatment.