Madelung’s Disease: Report of a Case

A 52 year old man presented with multiple bilateral symmetric swellings on the neck, back and axilla. A fine needle aspiration done from multiple sites showed that the swellings were composed of mature regular fat cells. The swellings were surgically excised and a histopathologic study revealed an unencapsulated mature fat tissue which confirmed a diagnosis of benign symmetric lipomatosis (BSL) or Madelung’s disease. This is a rare disease characterized by the presence of multiple, symmetric, non-encapsulated fat masses in the face, neck and other areas. It commonly occurs in middle aged men of Mediterranean origin but is very rare among Africans. Further history and review of literature with respect to the pathology, clinical presentation and management options are discussed.