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"Resources" on this report.
Copyright 1987, 1989, 1998, 2003, 2008
NORD is very grateful to Rebecca Campen, MD, J.D. Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School Assistant in Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, for assistance in the preparation of this report.
Synonyms of Dercum's Disease
- Adiposis Dolorosa
- Fatty Tissue Rheumatism
- Juxta-Articular Adiposis Dolorosa
- Lipomatosis Dolorosa Morbus Dercum’s
Disorder Subdivisions
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.
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Organizations related to Dercum's Disease
- American Chronic Pain Association
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin CA 95677
Phone #: 916-632-0922
800 #: 800-533-3231
e-mail: ACPA@pacbell.net
Home page: http://www.theacpa.org
- Dercum's Support
PO Box 350
Somis CA 93066
Phone #: 805-386-3125
800 #: --
e-mail: dercumdata@aol.com
Home page: http://www.dercum.org
- Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg MD 20898-8126
Phone #: 301-251-4925
800 #: 888-205-2311
e-mail: ordr@od.nih.gov
Home page: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/Default.aspx
- NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Endocrine Diseases Metabolic Diseases Branch
2 Information Way
Bethesda MD 20892-3570
Phone #: 301-654-3810
800 #: --
e-mail: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
Home page: http://www.niddk.nih.gov
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