Angiolipoma

Definition

A subcutaneous tumour composed of mature fat and thin-walled vessels.

Epidemiology

This is a tumour of the second and third decade of life, with a male preponderance.

Clinical features

Tumours are often multiple and may be painful.

Macroscopic appearances

Yellow to red.

Histopathology

The adipocytes are mature. The capillary vessels are concentrated at the periphery of the tumour and commonly contain fibrin thrombi. Cellular angiolipomas have a predominance of vessels.

Differential diagnosis

• Cellular angiolipomas:

  • angiosarcoma

  • Kaposi sarcoma

Prognosis

Benign, with no propensity to recur or transform.

References

World Health Organization Classification of Tumours, Tumours of Soft Tissues and Bone, IARC Press 2002.

This page last revised 29.6.2004.

©SMUHT/PW Bishop