Adiposis Dolorosa – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments

Adiposis Dolorosa – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments  best suited to deal with this disease.  In addition, Adiposis Dolorosa  or Dercum’s Disease (adipose pain) is a rare condition characterized by progressively painful fatty deposits, usually in menopausal women with obesity, asthenia and mental phenomena.

We report a case of a 48-year-old woman with recurrent throat swelling and pain in the throat and parotid region, and a review of the management of this rare problem.

Also known as “Dercum’s Disease” after the doctor who first described it, patients suffer from tumors, called lipomas, all over their torso. Almost all those who suffer from this disease are obese women aged between 35 and 50 years.

Causes of Adiposis Dolorosa:  The exact causes of Adiposis Dolorosa are unclear but it is believed to be an inherited autosomal dominant genetic trait.

Symptoms of Adiposis Dolorosa:  The most characteristic evidence of Adiposis Dolorosa is the slow formation of multiple, painful growths of lipomas that lie beneath the surface of the skin. Pain can range from mild discomfort when the lump is pressed or touched, to intense pain that is out of proportion to the physical evidence.

The pain can last for hours and can be intermittent or last continuously. In severe cases, the pain can get worse with movement. Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body, but are rare on the head and neck. The trunk, upper arms and legs are the most affected. Other signs and symptoms of Adiposis Dolorosa  may include:

• depression ;
• Fatigue;
• Tendency to form bruises;
• Generalized weakness;
• Problems with concentration or memory ;
• Weight gain;
• headache;
• Swelling, edema in various parts of the body;
• Stiffness after rest period, especially in the morning;
• Susceptibility to infections;
• Irritability.

Adiposis Dolorosa Treatments :  No cure has yet been found for Adiposis Dolorosa Painkillers can be given to combat the pain. Sometimes fatty deposits around the joints are surgically removed.

Support from family members plays a crucial role in the patient’s ability to cope with the illness. If necessary help should be provided comfort and mobility aid to the patient. Things like walking stick, gel pads, gel mattresses can help the patient to some extent.

Boost patient morale with positive thinking. Help the patient lead a stress -free life . Meditation and relaxation technique should be practiced to reduce pain. Positive autosuggestion can be tried to fight the disease.