MRI Lipoma of the Conus

Lipoma of the conus is a rare condition referring to a benign tumor composed of adipose (fat) tissue located in the conus medullaris, the lower end of the spinal cord. This condition falls under the category of spinal lipomas, which are one of the most common forms of spinal cord tumors in children, but they can also be found in adults.

Symptoms

The symptoms of lipoma of the conus can vary greatly depending on the size and location of the tumor. Common symptoms include:

• Back Pain: This is a frequent symptom, particularly if the lipoma is large or is causing nerve compression.
• Neurological Symptoms: These can include numbness, weakness, or tingling in the lower limbs, reflecting the involvement of the spinal cord and nerves.
• Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: In some cases, the lipoma can interfere with the nerves that control bladder and bowel functions, leading to incontinence or difficulty in urination and defecation.

Treatment

Treatment of a lipoma of the conus medullaris depends on several factors, including the size of the lipoma, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health. Options include:

• Observation: In cases where the lipoma is small and not causing significant symptoms, regular monitoring may be recommended.

• Surgery: This is the primary treatment for symptomatic lipomas. The goal is to remove as much of the lipoma as safely possible to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Complete removal can be challenging and risky, given the involvement of vital neural structures.

• Symptom Management: This includes pain management, physical therapy, and, in some cases, managing bowel or bladder dysfunction.