Madelung's disease (aka multiple symmetrical lipomatosis.

[49WM]

I am a 49-year old white male. I do not drink or smoke. I am more or less in okay shape and for the past several years I have had what I believe to be Madelung's disease (aka multiple symmetrical lipomatosis.

What's the exact cause of this? I have read on this blog which is very useful by the way,the following:

" there are currently two theories to explain its pathogenesis: the first described by Enzi et al. in a series of 10 cases of LSB which advocates a defective lipolytic response to catecholamines appears to be related to mitochondrial alterations and the second calls for an alteration of adrenergic stimulation of lipolysis caused by the autonomy of adipocytes..."

What does this mean in simple terms please?

Also over the past 3-5 years I have seen an increase in these to include chest, legs and arms. I would like to find something that I can take that will help me to get rid of them. Some are about the size of golf balls. In 1995 I had one cut out and then I did not have any for several years.

Thank you.

[matt]

Hi 49WM!

Thanks for posting!

The real cause of Madelung's is unknown altough it's possible that alcoholism may contrubute to it. The quotation you make is merely an explanation of what happens not so much about what causes it.

It's not uncommon for people to see multiplication of lipomas especially in their 50s. This might be because of something happening in the body and/or immune system.

So far we do not know of any substances which would eliminate lipomas. The only way to really get rid of them is surgery but for many it's not an option because of the shear number of them. We are constantly researching and testing a multitude of supplements and other non-invasive methods. Some are testing out different kinds of surgeries too.

But it's possible - perhaps even likely - that taking some extra supplements can prevent new lipomas from forming and multiplying as well as limit the growth of old ones.

If you were to have a surgery my advise is to find a doctor who is willing to do a procedure called the squeeze technique. This leaves minimal scarring and often the stitches are not needed. Few doctors do this because it's not commonly taught in the medical school.

I have personally tested Lipodissolve (aka Lipostabil) injections which helped to shrink some of my lipomas.

You may find the thread about what causes lipomas helpful although controversial as well as the thread about genetics and lipomas.

Perhaps someone with more medical knowlidge could try to translate what your quatation said in common language.