A case report of pelvic lipomatosis

Abstract

Pelvic lipomatosis is a rare condition defined as a non-malignant excessive growth of normal fat in the pelvis. Its first symptoms are usually atypical and some patients are not diagnosed until severe upper tract obstruction or even kidney failure occurs. We present the case of a 48-year-old female patient with a history of obesity, who presents complaining of an increase in volume in the lower abdominal region, as well as of some urinary incontinence. On physical examination a non-painful and somewhat mobile tumor mass in the hypogastrium of about 10 cm in diameter was palpated. Investigations, electrocardiogram and simple chest x-ray are performed. A computerized axial tomography of the hypogastrium shows a hypodense image, of fat density that displaces intestinal loops towards the periphery and the bladder and uterus downwards. An exploratory laparotomy is performed and a large, fatty-looking tumor mass is observed, occupying the entire hypogastrium, adhering to the serosa of the urinary bladder. Excision is performed, sending the specimen for histological study. It is concluded as a lipoma. The patient progresses favorably and is discharged the day after the operation without complications.