[Xeroradiographic diagnosis of lipomas]

The use of xeroradiography for the study of lipomas (limbs, thoracic wall, pelvic and shoulder girdles) was evaluated on 36 consecutive patients; in 16 cases (44%), histological diagnosis on the surgical specimen was also available. Xeroradiography was more effective than standard x-ray films in 13 cases of 14 submitted to both examination (93%). It allowed to evaluate in detail the size, site and relationships of lipomas as well as to establish their nature. The advantages and drawbacks of xeroradiography in each situation and for the different histological groups of lipomas are discussed. This technique is proposed as a simple and quick procedure for the preoperative diagnosis of lipomas.