Learn About Adiposis Dolorosa
Adiposis dolorosa is a condition characterized by painful folds of fatty (adipose) tissue or the growth of multiple noncancerous (benign) fatty tumors called lipomas. This condition occurs most often in women who are overweight or have obesity, and signs and symptoms typically appear between ages 35 and 50.
The cause of adiposis dolorosa is unknown. The condition is thought to have a genetic component because a few families with multiple affected family members have been reported. However, no associated genes have been identified.
Adiposis dolorosa is a rare condition whose prevalence is unknown. For reasons that are unclear, it occurs up to 30 times more often in women than in men.
Most cases of adiposis dolorosa are sporadic, which means they occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family.
Published Date: February 01, 2019Published By: National Institutes of Health