Snowy Solution: A Novel Approach to Treating Nevus Lipomatosus Superficialis with Cryotherapy
Janine Michele Tolentino Lovino-Ty, Reuben Mitchell M. Manuel, Jolene Kristine G. DumlaoAbstract
Nevus lipomatosus superficialis is a rare hamartoma that primarily affects children and young adults. It is classified into two forms: multiple/classical and solitary. Diagnosis is confirmed histologically by mature adipocytes in the dermis. Excision is the treatment of choice. Other treatment options, such as cryotherapy, yield promising results. We present the case of a 25-year-old female with a 15-year history of multiple clustered skin-colored, soft papules and cerebriform, sessile nodules, which varied in size from 0.3 to 1 cm × 0.5 cm on the lower back. Histopathology revealed mature adipocytes mixed with dermal fibrous tissue. Cryotherapy using an open spray method was performed, wherein the lesion was treated with a double freeze–thaw cycle (10 s, 2–3 mm margin), repeated at a 2-week interval for four sessions, which led to satisfactory results. This case highlights cryotherapy as a safe and effective nonsurgical alternative, particularly in the classical type wherein a large area is involved.
Keymessages :
Nevus lipomatosus superficialis is a rare hamartoma classified into two forms: multiple/classical and solitary While surgical excision is the standard treatment, it may be impractical for widespread lesions of the classical type Cryotherapy is a safe, nonsurgical alternative and novel treatment for classical type, wherein a large area is involved, and in patients who refuse or are not candidates for surgery.