Dercum's disease: Understanding its causes, diagnostic methods, and related information
Dercum's disease, a little-known connective tissue disorder, affects primarily women and is characterised by the growth of multiple, painful fatty lumps known as lipomas. This condition, while rare, can be debilitating due to its wide range of symptoms and the lack of a definitive cure.
Females are 5-30 times more likely to develop Dercum's disease than males, and it typically affects individuals aged 35-50 who carry excess weight. The lipomas, benign fatty tumors, can form in any part of the body and range from pea-sized to plum-sized growths. Most commonly, they appear in the trunk, upper arms, and upper legs.
The primary feature of Dercum's disease is the presence of these lipomas. However, the condition may also cause a host of other symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, swelling, weight gain, generalized weakness, easy bruising, headaches, irritability, susceptibility to infection, stiffness, gastrointestinal symptoms, palpitations and shortness of breath, depression and/or anxiety, memory or concentration problems, and dry eyes.
Dercum's disease is underdiagnosed, and its frequency in the general population is unknown. A doctor diagnoses the condition based on a patient's medical history and symptoms, and may refer them to a specialist. Imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans may be used to aid the diagnosis process, and doctors may order a biopsy to confirm that the lipomas are due to Dercum's disease.
No cure for Dercum's disease currently exists, and treatment focuses on symptom management, including pain relief. Common treatment options include medications for pain relief, surgical removal of fatty growths, alternative therapies, supportive therapies, and addressing psychiatric symptoms.
Medications for pain relief can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), narcotics, corticosteroids, lidocaine, ketamine, infliximab, calcium-channel modulators, methotrexate, interferon alfa-2b, and sometimes drugs historically used for diabetes like GLP-1 agonists and metformin. Surgical removal of fatty growths can reduce pain temporarily, but surgery should be approached cautiously because the trauma from surgery may provoke new painful lumps.
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, hypnosis, biofeedback, and certain supplements (e.g., guaifenesin) may help some patients cope with symptoms and improve perceived well-being. Supportive therapies like manual lymphatic drainage, nutrition management, and exercise therapy may be used to improve overall health and symptom management, though evidence for their effectiveness is limited.
Addressing psychiatric symptoms is also crucial, as Dercum's disease often involves chronic pain that can lead to or exacerbate psychiatric symptoms such as depression or anxiety. Treatment often includes attention to mental health alongside pain management.
While these treatments may provide temporary relief, no single therapy has demonstrated consistent or lasting efficacy. Management is often multidisciplinary and tailored to the patient's symptoms and response. A team of healthcare professionals, including dermatologists, nutritionists, and neurologists, may be involved in the treatment of Dercum's disease.
It's important to note that Dercum's disease is not the only condition that can cause the growth of fatty lumps. Some conditions, such as lipedema, may be mistaken for Dercum's disease. Madelung's disease, fibromyalgia, and familial multiple lipomatosis are related but different conditions.
Research has linked Dercum's disease to a range of other health conditions, including arthritis, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, sleep disorders, myxedema, and dry eyes. Genetics may play a role in the development of Dercum's disease, but most cases occur sporadically.
In conclusion, while Dercum's disease is a challenging condition to manage, understanding it and seeking appropriate medical care can greatly improve the quality of life for those affected. If you suspect you or someone you know may have Dercum's disease, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Dercum's disease, a little-known connective tissue disorder, characterised by the growth of multiple, painful fatty lumps, is primarily a woman's health issue and is more common in individuals aged 35-50, who often carry excess weight.
- This condition can be debilitating due to its wide range of symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, swelling, weight gain, and depression, among others, and the lack of a definitive cure.
- A doctor diagnoses Dercum's disease based on the patient's medical history and symptoms, and may refer them to a specialist or order imaging tests like CT or MRI scans and biopsies to confirm the diagnosis.
- Treatment for Dercum's disease focuses on symptom management, including pain relief, which can involve medications such as NSAIDs, narcotics, corticosteroids, lidocaine, ketamine, infliximab, calcium-channel modulators, methotrexate, interferon alfa-2b, and sometimes drugs historically used for diabetes.
- Alternative therapies like acupuncture, hypnosis, biofeedback, and certain supplements, as well as supportive therapies like manual lymphatic drainage, nutrition management, and exercise therapy, may help manage symptoms and improve overall health.
- Addressing psychiatric symptoms, such as depression and anxiety caused by chronic pain, is also crucial in the management of Dercum's disease.
- It's essential to remember that Dercum's disease is not the only condition causing fatty lumps, and other chronic diseases like fibromyalgia, lipedema, and Madelung's disease need to be considered before a definite diagnosis is made.
