[Classification and terminological designation of Madelung's lipomatosis]

From experience in the treatment of 18 patients with Madelung's lipomatosis the authors suggest a system of designation of the spread of the disease embracing the possible localizations of the tumor. The system of recording the spread and marked character of the adipose tumors makes it possible to appraise the developmental stage of the disease. It is suggested that 4 stages of the disease are distinguished. According to the type of growth, two forms of tumors are distinguished: nodular and diffuse. Systemic designation and the form of the tumor give a more complete idea of the disease and thus allow the optimal tactics of surgery to be chosen. Among the numerous terms suggested for the disease, the most appropriate, reflecting the essence of the disease is "Madelung's lipomatosis". The authors suggest it for unification of the designations of the disease and easier literature search and generalization of information on this rare disease.