Dercum Disease

Synonyms

• Adiposis Dolorosa
• Juxta-Articular Adiposis Dolorosa

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Dercum Disease is a rare disorder characterized by multiple, painful fatty deposits (lipomas), primarily on the trunk, forearms, and lower legs. It is associated with pain that may be caused by these deposits pressing on nearby nerves.

This disorder usually occurs in obese females between the ages of 45 and 60. Various areas of the body may swell for no apparent reason. The swelling may disappear without treatment, leaving hardened tissue or pendulous skin folds. In some cases, affected individuals may also experience depression, lethargy, and/or confusion.
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Resources

American Chronic Pain Association
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677
USA
Tel: 9166320922
Fax: 9166323208
Tel: 8005333231
Email: ACPA@Pacbell.net
Internet: http://www.theacpa.org

NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Endocrine Diseases Metabolic Diseases Branch
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Tel: (301)654-3810
Fax: (301)496-7422
Email: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niddk.nih.gov

Dercum's Support
PO Box 350
Somis, CA 93066
Tel: (805)386-3125
Email: dercumdata@aol.com
Internet: http://www.dercum.org

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 6/27/2005
Copyright 1987, 1989, 1998, 2003 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.