Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
[Two cases of dermolipoma]
Shinsuke Kinoshita1, Hirohiko Kakizaki, Masayoshi Iwaki
1Department of Ophthalmology, Aichi Medical University, Japan. skg0121@yahoo.co.jp
Background:
Dermolipoma is an uncommon benign tumor, congenitally occurring on the conjunctiva, and may be present at other sites. The appearance of dermolipoma closely resembles orbital fat prolapse and limbal dermoid, and therefore it is necessary to take this into account in diagnosis. Postoperative complications such as blepharoptosis, diplopia, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca can develop.
Case Report:
The first case was a 52-year-old female patient referred for the treatment of an orbital fat prolapse in her right eye. Another case, an 8-year-old female patient, was referred for the treatment of a bulbar conjunctival tumor in her left eye. In both cases, dermolipoma was suspected because the tumor did not show in the limbus and it did not change in size even when the eyeball was pressed. There was no external ear anomaly, facial dissymmetry, or cervical abnormality. The tumors were surgically removed without any conjunctival loss. Neither case had any postoperative complications.
Conclusions:
If the special features of dermolipoma are understood, it is easy to distinguish this tumor from other disorders. Most of the postsurgical complications are caused by excessive conjunctival loss resulting in symblepharon. Avoiding harm to the conjunctiva is important to prevent such complications.
Related Concept Videos
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Reticular Dermis
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...