Adipocytic Tumours: A review of demographics and histological spectrum in a Tertiary Hospital in North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Adipocytic tumours, although frequently found in routine clinical practice, the rare forms may occasionally pose diagnostic challenges. The objective of this study was to evaluate the histological spectrum of biopsies of adipocytic tumours in a tertiary health care centre in north-  central region of Nigeria.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on archival records, slides and case notes of patients with adipocytic tumours whose biopsy  specimens were received and histologically diagnosed in the histopathology laboratory of a regional tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Results: There were 105 cases of patients with adipocytic tumours analyzed. The patients had a mean age of 41.9±15.2 years and a peak frequency  in the 30-39 years age group. They comprised of 52 (49.5%) males and 53 (50.5%) females. One hundred (95.2%) cases were benign and five (4.8%),  malignant. Lipoma made up 94.4% (n=99/105) of all the cases. Most lipomas were found on the back (15.2%, 15), followed by the thigh (8.1%, 8),  neck (7.1%, 7), and buttocks (6.1%, 6). Other benign adipocytic tumours include fibrolipoma, angiolipoma and spindle cell lipoma. The five malignant  tumours present were all liposarcomas (4.8%, n=5/105). The patients with liposarcomas had a mean age of 55±13.8 years. The subtypes  of this tumour found include the well differentiated (60%, n=3/5), pleomorphic liposarcoma (20%, n=1/5) and myxoid liposarcoma (20%, n=1/5). Two  of the well differentiated liposarcomas occurred at intra-abdominal sites while the three other malignant tumours were superficial. Lipoblastoma  and dedifferentiated liposarcoma were not found in this review.

Conclusion: The adipocytic tumours were mostly benign lipomas while the cancers formed a very minute proportion.