SUBCUTANEOUS and gastrointestinal lipomas are not infrequently encountered, but huge, encapsulated or infiltrating lipomas of the thigh are rarely observed. These lesions are of interest because of the tendency to recur following surgical excision as well as the potential hazard of malignant transformation. In 1924, Speed1 emphasized the importance of this unusual condition.
The clinical findings and the surgical management of two patients with large, deforming, fatty tumors of the thigh are presented.
Report of Cases
Case 1.
—A 66-year-old man was admitted to the Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital on Jan 3, 1948, because of a swelling of the left thigh noted for approximately three years. The lesion had enlarged rapidly during the previous year. Discomfort on walking and difficulty in sitting in a chair had become progressive.The physical examination revealed a cooperative, well-nourished, elderly man. Subsequent findings were relatively normal, except for a prominent swelling on the medial