chest wall lipoma

A chest wall lipoma is a type of benign tumor that arises from the soft tissues of the chest wall. It is typically characterized by:

• A well-defined, encapsulated mass [6]
• Soft, lobulated masses enclosed by a thin, fibrous capsule [2]
• Thick and thin soft tissue density streaks inside the lesion [4]

These tumors are usually slow-growing and can occur in various regions of the chest wall. They may be subcutaneous or deep-seated intramuscular, with the latter being relatively rare [8].

Chest wall lipomas can cause discomfort, compression of surrounding structures, and significant deformity if they grow to a large size [7]. However, they are generally benign and do not typically exhibit infiltrating features.

It's worth noting that chest wall lipomas can be mistaken for other types of tumors or conditions, so accurate diagnosis is essential. If you have any concerns about a lump on your chest wall, it's always best to consult with a medical professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

References: [1] Not applicable [2] by Y Hirai · 2022 · Cited by 2 — Lipomas are the most common soft‐tissue tumour that demonstrate slow growth. [4] by N Schicchi · 2019 · Cited by 8 — Thick and thin soft tissue density streaks are commonly found inside the lesion. [6] There is a well-defined, encapsulated mass with echopattern identical to fat at the site of swelling pointed by the patient. It is in the anterior chest ... [7] Jan 31, 2024 — Giant thoracic lipoma is an unusual tumor that can cause discomfort, compression of surrounding structures, and significant deformity. [8] by J Hwang · 2015 · Cited by 6 — Deep-seated intramuscular chest wall lipomas are rare but occasionally have various infiltrating features.

Based on the context provided, here are the signs and symptoms of chest wall lipoma:

• Chest wall swelling
• Localized pain and tenderness
• Pain that worsens with deep breathing or certain activities
• A lump that can be felt in the chest wall area

Note: These symptoms may vary depending on the individual case, but they are generally associated with chest wall lipomas.

Diagnosing Chest Wall Lipoma: A Comprehensive Overview

Chest wall lipomas can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and tissue sampling.

• Physical Examination: Doctors can usually diagnose a lipoma with a simple physical examination. They may start by inspecting and feeling the lump. If the lipoma is large or painful, additional tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions [9].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound can help confirm the diagnosis of a chest wall lipoma. These tests can provide detailed images of the tumor and its relationship with surrounding tissues [5][6][7][8].
  • MRI is the modality of choice for imaging lipomas, not only to confirm the diagnosis but also to assess the size, location, and characteristics of the tumor [8].
• Tissue Sampling: A biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out cancer. During this procedure, a sample of tissue from the lipoma is removed and sent to a lab for testing [2][3].

Key Points

• Physical examination can usually diagnose a lipoma.
• Imaging tests such as MRI are useful in confirming the diagnosis and assessing the tumor's characteristics.
• Tissue sampling may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out cancer.

References:

[1] Not provided (context

Differential Diagnosis of Chest Wall Lipoma

Chest wall lipomas can be challenging to diagnose, as they may resemble other types of masses or tumors. The differential diagnosis for chest wall lipomas includes:

• Sebaceous cysts: These are common benign growths that can occur in the subcutaneous tissue of the chest wall. They are typically well-circumscribed and may have a characteristic "pearly" appearance [2].
• Abscesses: Abscesses are collections of pus that can form in response to infection. They can appear as tender, swollen masses on the chest wall and may require drainage or antibiotic treatment [2].
• Well-differentiated liposarcomas: These are rare types of cancerous tumors that can occur in the subcutaneous tissue of the chest wall. They may be difficult to distinguish from lipomas, but can have distinct radiological features such as septa greater than 2 mm in thickness [5].
• Atypical lipomas: These are rare variants of lipoma that can occur in the deep-seated tissues of the chest wall. They may be difficult to differentiate from well-differentiated liposarcomas using imaging modalities alone [9].

Key Radiological Features

To distinguish chest wall lipomas from other masses or tumors, several critical radiological image findings have been reported:

• Discrete and encapsulated appearance: Lipomas are typically well-circumscribed and may appear as discrete, homogeneous masses on imaging studies [7].
• Septa greater than 2 mm in thickness: Well-differentiated liposarcomas may have septa that are thicker than 2 mm, which can help distinguish them from lipomas [5].

Clinical Implications

Accurate differential diagnosis of chest wall lipomas is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. A thorough clinical evaluation, including imaging studies and histological examination, is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and guide management.

References:

[1] Dec 4, 2016 — Most lipomas that originate in the chest wall are deep lipomas, which tend to be larger and less well-circumscribed than superficial lesions. [2] Jan 31, 2024 — Lipomas must be differentiated from other masses or tumors. In the subcutaneous location, the primary differential diagnosis is a sebaceous cyst or an abscess. [3] by S Koike · 2023 · Cited by 2 — Lipomas are common benign tumors, and during treatment of deep-seated lipoma, differential diagnosis between well-differentiated liposarcomas ... [4] by JH Lee · 2013 · Cited by 26 — They could be differentiated histologically from lipoblasts by their atypical nucleus, mucous degeneration, polymorphism, and mitosis [7]. [5] by J Mansour · 2022 · Cited by 9 — MRI findings that help differentiate well-differentiated liposarcoma from lipoma include septa that are greater than 2 mm in thickness, nodular ... [6] Differential diagnosis · liposarcoma: low-grade tumors are difficult to differentiate from lipomas, and can have a relatively benign clinical course but suffer ... [7] by S Koike · 2023 · Cited by 2 — Several critical radiological image findings have been reported for the differential diagnosis. Lipomas are discrete, encapsulated, homogeneous ... [8] by CP Mullan · 2011 · Cited by 47 — The differential diagnosis includes liposarcoma and atypical lipoma. The extension of the mass outside the right hemithorax, involvement of the superior sulcus, ... [9] by HJ Jang · 2021 · Cited by 3 — The differential diagnosis between atypical deep-seated lipoma and well-differentiated liposarcoma is difficult using imaging modalities such ...