Fibrolipoma is a medical term used to describe a benign tumor that consists of both fibrous and fatty tissue. The spelling of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /faɪ.brə.laɪˈpoʊ.mə/. The first syllable "fibro" is pronounced with a long "i" sound as in "eye," the second syllable "li" is pronounced with a short "i" sound as in "lip," and the last part "poma" is pronounced with a long "o" sound as in "oat." The correct pronunciation of medical terms is important for clear communication among healthcare professionals.
A fibrolipoma is a type of benign tumor that consists of a combination of fibrous tissue and fatty tissue. It is classified as a lipoma, which is a non-cancerous growth that arises from fat cells. However, unlike a typical lipoma, a fibrolipoma also contains an increased amount of fibrous connective tissue. This combination of fibrous and fatty tissue gives a fibrolipoma its distinctive appearance and texture.
Fibrolipomas are most commonly found in the subcutaneous tissue, which is the layer of fat located just beneath the skin. They can occur in various parts of the body but tend to be more prevalent on the neck, shoulders, and back. The tumor typically presents as a painless, soft, and movable mass that grows slowly over time.
While most fibrolipomas are asymptomatic and do not require treatment, they might be surgically removed if they become unsightly, bothersome, or cause discomfort. A biopsy is often performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any potential malignant growths.
In summary, a fibrolipoma is a type of non-cancerous tumor composed of a mixture of fibrous and fatty tissue. It is typically found in the subcutaneous layer of the body and tends to grow slowly over time. Although usually harmless, surgical removal may be necessary if the fibrolipoma becomes symptomatic or aesthetically undesirable.
A mixed fibroma and lipoma, a fibrofatty tumor.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "fibrolipoma" is derived from two roots: "fibro" and "lipoma".
1. "Fibro" is derived from the Latin word "fibra", meaning "fiber". In medical terminology, "fibro-" refers to fibrous tissue or fibers.
2. "Lipoma" is derived from the Greek word "lipos", meaning "fat". In medical terminology, a "lipoma" is a benign tumor composed of fat tissue.
Therefore, when combined, "fibrolipoma" describes a benign tumor composed of both fibrous and fatty tissue.