Gardner Syndrome
Gardner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that can cause several different problems, including the formation of lipoma throughout the body. These benign tumors develop due to fatty tissue deposits and affect both men and women equally. Lipomas can occur in many different body areas but often around the shoulders, neck, and upper back. They tend to be soft and non-painful but can become irritated by friction or stretched skin. Lipomas are most often found in people over 50 years old, with their first occurrence usually after age 40.
Lipomas are fairly common, with about 5 percent of Americans having at least one. They are especially prevalent in people who are overweight or obese. Since Gardner syndrome patients tend to have larger than normal muscles and tissues, it makes sense that lipomas would be more common in this population. Lipomas have also been seen more frequently in elderly males who have developed osteoporosis due to menopause or other conditions. This is because these patients have thinner, more porous bones and are more likely to develop bone lesions where a lipoma can grow.
The connection between the development of lipomas with genetic disorders is not well-understood, but researchers believe that the majority of lipomas are acquired. However, they have been known to run in families, and some people have an increased risk of developing them due to a specific gene mutation or genetic predisposition.
