Mild tenderness occasionally is associated with the tumors. Angiolipomas often are tender. Solitary lipomas are seen predominately in women. Multiple lipomas occur more frequently in men. Patients usually give a history of a slowly growing lesion present for several years and usually do not complain of discomfort.
Most solitary lipomas are superficial and small.
Solitary lipomas may develop with weight gain but usually do not shrink after weight loss. Tumors often infiltrate through muscle fibers, making them resistant to surgical removal. These tumors are composed of immature fat cells. Madelung described the condition in 1888. Lipomas of the head, neck, shoulders, and proximal upper extremities characterize this condition.