Dercum's Disease

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Dercum's Disease is not the name you expected.

Disorder Subdivisions

  • None

General Discussion

Dercum's disease is an extremely rare disorder characterized by multiple, painful growths consisting of fatty tissue (lipomas). These growths mainly occur on the trunk, the upper arms and upper legs and are found just below the skin (subcutaneously). Pain associated with Dercum's disease can often be severe. Pain may be caused by these growths pressing on nearby nerves. Dercum's disease mainly occurs in adults and more women are affected than men. In some cases, affected individuals may also experience weight gain, depression, lethargy, and/or confusion. The exact cause of Dercum's disease is unknown.

Supporting Organizations

American Chronic Pain Association

P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677
USA
Tel: (916)632-0922
Fax: (916)652-8190
Tel: (800)533-3231
Email: ACPA@theacpa.org
Website: http://www.theacpa.org

Dercum's Support

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

Fat Disorders Research Society, Inc.

1 Little West 12th Street
New York, NY 10014
USA
Tel: 203-769-1267
Email: info@fatdisorders.org
Website: http://www.fatdisorders.org

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/

NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases

Office of Communications & Public Liaison
Bldg 31, Rm 9A06
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
Tel: (301)496-3583
Email: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
Website: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.

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.

Last Updated:  7/30/2015
Copyright  2012 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.