Lipohyperplasia dolorosa : About facts and fiction, clinical presentation and examination

Abstract

Lipohyperplasia dolorosa, also known by the misnomer "lipedema", is aclinical picture first described more than 80years ago, that in the last 25years has received increasing attention in medical practices, but also lymphological discussion circles which are otherwise rare in the scientific community. Unfortunately, to put it casually, discussions in social media accelerate the amount of supposed knowledge, an unusual occurrence in the otherwise slow and cautious field of science. Media influences and considerable economic interests resharpen and focus the view, but thus also cloud many women's view of the disease. Combining clinical presentation and a simple clinical examination with afew palpatory findings results in a clear diagnosis that excludes differential diagnoses, in particular obesity. Therapy should only be offered once aprecise diagnosis is made. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, it is irreversible and means alifelong change to the patient's quality of life. Care is, therefore, as always, the first duty of the diagnostician.