Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (Madelung's disease): report of two cases

Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (Madelung's disease) is a rare disease characterized by non-encapsulated adipose deposits in the neck, the superior part of the trunk and, very rarely, in the limbs. It is common in middle-aged Caucasian Mediterranean males but very rare in Chinese people. We describe two cases of Madelung's disease: both patients presented complaining of a development of a painless neck mass that was increasing in size. Panendoscopy was normal. Both underwent incisional biopsies that revealed benign adipose tissue characterizing Madelung's disease. We discuss the clinical presentation, associated morbidity, and treatments for Madelung's disease.