What Is Dercum’s Disease
Dercum’s disease is an extremely rare disorder characterized by multiple, painful growths consisting of fatty tissue (lipomas). These growths mainly occur on the trunk, the upper arms and upper legs and are found just below the skin (subcutaneously). Pain associated with Dercum’s disease can often be severe. Consult a doctor for medical advice.
Symptoms
- Generalized obesity, usually in menopausal age
- Mental disturbances, including emotional instability, depression, epilepsy, confusion and dementia
- Multiple, painful, fatty masses
- Weakness and fatigability
Treatment
- Although there’s no cure yet for Dercum’s, your doctor may suggest treatments to ease your symptoms.
- Surgery: In severe cases, your doctor may decide to remove your fatty growths. This may relieve your pain for a while, but there’s still a chance some or all of your lipomas will grow back.
