Fibrosis

[jack__0]

Posted by jack  on August 03, 1999 at 11:43:30
I don't even know if this is related to Hepatitis-C but it started at about the same time I was diagnosed with Hep-C.
The subcutaneous fat in my abdomen started getting lumpy and hard. It started with just one lump which was removed and showed fat necrosis and focal fibrosis.
Since that time it has increased, becoming harder and larger. It has taken almost two years to progress from one small lump to a problem which is most pronounced in the fat of my abdomen but is also everywhere else one my body.
My abdominal fat is so filled with fiber that it is like a large rock. One section of it (starting at my sternum and going down about four inches protrudes like a basketball).
There has been a subsequent biopsy of that section which shows thick fibrous material in the fat.
Large masses of it also reside in my armpits.
No one knows what is causing it because every test shows normal.
Does anybody know what could cause this? And is there any way to stop it?
Liposuction has been recommended but I can't find anyone who will do it.
The abdominal mass is so large and so hard that it interferes with my breathing and I must hold it up with a brace to prevent ripping and tearing pains.
Posted by HFHSM.D.-D.M. on August 08, 1999 at 19:41:17
Dear Jack:
I find your situation to be very interesting though I have not heard of a situation quite like this.  I don’t know what exactly is going on.  You are describing the growth of very firm, fibrotic “fat” tumors in your abdomen and throughout the body.
There is a condition called panniculitis which can result in fat tumors and necrosis though these are usually painful.  I looked to see if there is any correlation between hepatitis C and pannicultis and I found a single reference that associated pannicultis with hepatitis C although the paper was in the French literature and I was not able to actually read it.  
I hope this information is helpful to you.  It sounds like you are going to have to see someone with experience with “fat” tumors and I suspect that will be someone at a university center.   If you have additional information or questions, I would invite you to post the material to MEDHELP.  The direct number to our Liver Center at Henry Ford is [phone]. We have an active group of liver specialists and we have an interest in the care and research of hepatitis C.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation.  Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.