Lipogranulomatosis circumscripta (panniculitis non suppurativa)

Four cases of nodular lipogranulomas in the breast, the arms and in the omentum are discussed. Nodular lipogranulomas develop from single fat cells, the fat of which is enclosed and phagocytized by lipophages. The small areas grow and become confluent into larger granulomas, which become scars by the formation of reticulin fibers. The rosette-like pattern, the primary degenerative alteration of the fat cells and the progression of the lesion all suggest insufficient blood supply. Inflammation is secondary and appears only occasionally.