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Multiple thickening of the left side of the body

November 27, 2018 | 20,00 EUR | answered by MD Felix Aaslepp

Hello,

after noticing a swelling below my left knee on the inside at the beginning of the year, my orthopedist sent me for an MRI. It is said to be a lipoma. Follow-up MRI with contrast dye scheduled for early 2019. Additionally, I have had a thick belly resembling a 5-month pregnant one for several months without any weight gain. Waist circumference is 84 cm and I weigh 52 kg at 1.58 m. I do not have any pain and the belly is soft. For the past 2 months, I have also noticed a significant swelling in the hollow between my neck and collarbone, also on the left side. MRI appointment scheduled for early January. Today, I also noticed that my left axilla is slightly thicker than the right one. My gynecologist suspects connective tissue weakness due to the belly and has recommended exercise. The orthopedist suspects lipomatosis and is sending me to the general practitioner for further examination of the fat metabolism. I am 35 years old and have no pain or other symptoms. However, this constantly new set of symptoms, all on the left side, worries me that it might be a tumor disease spreading there. I also have the same amount of stress as before and no changes in eating habits or similar.

I would be very grateful for an opinion.

MD Felix Aaslepp

Hello!
Thank you for your question. The answer is not easy without further examination. Lipomatosis is typically more symmetrical and not limited to one side. However, I consider a tumor disease to be rather unlikely. Metastases rarely appear in fatty tissue and would more likely occur locally, not as a diffuse widespread swelling. A connective tissue weakness is conceivable, depending on the severity. Or perhaps a disorder in lipid metabolism and thus uncontrolled growth of fatty tissue.
Further examination including lipid metabolism and imaging of the abdomen should be carried out to make a diagnosis.
I wish you all the best!