National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Pelvic lipomatosis


Other Names:
Excess of mature unencapsulated fatty tissue in the pelvis
Pelvic lipomatosis is a rare disease of unknown cause, characterized by overgrowth of mature, non-cancerous fat cells in the pelvic region. The symptoms of pelvic lipomatosis are related to the compression of the urinary system (urinary frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and hematuria), lower intestinal tract (constipation, tenesmus, rectal bleeding, and ribbon-like stools with mucus), and vascular system (edema of lower extremities). Pelvic lipomatosis has been linked to chronic lower urinary tract infections, obesity, and endocrine dysfunction. Treatment usually seeks to alleviate symptoms, especially kidney obstruction and end stage renal disease. While most cases are not progressive, upper-tract urinary surgery may be needed for those with severe symptoms and/or evidence of urinary obstruction with deterioration of the kidney function.[1]  
Last updated: 6/10/2011
To date, weight-loss has not been shown to be effective in managing pelvic lipomatosis. Treatment options for pelvic lipomatosis may include watchful waiting or surgery. Unfortunately, less invasive treatments such as antibiotics, steroids, and radiation therapy are not helpful.[2] 

Currently there are no well established treatment guidelines for pelvic lipomatosis. It can likewise be difficult to find doctors who have clinical experience with this rare condition. The following organization has a medical advisory board, physician locator services, and patient networks which may help you find doctors who are experienced in treating pelvic lipomatosis. While the group does not offer information on pelvic lipomatosis currently, they do advocate for all people with rare fat disorders.

Fat Disorders Research Society
2305 Robincrest Ln
Glenview, IL 60025
E-mail: http://www.fatdisorders.org/contact-fdrs/
Website: http://www.fatdisorders.org
Last updated: 2/16/2016

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Social Networking Websites

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Pelvic lipomatosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • My doctor says I may have the condition. Would losing weight help this condition. See answer


  1. Rodriguez, JR & Malik, A. Pelvic Lipomatosis. Applied Radiology. 2003; 32(4):http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/452493. Accessed 6/10/2011.
  2. Ali A, Swain S, Manoharan M. Pelvic lipomatosis: Bladder sparing extirpation of pelvic mass to relieve bladder storage dysfunction symptoms and pelvic pain. Cent European J Urol. 2014; 67(3):287-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4165674/#CIT0001. Accessed 2/16/2016.