[Giant Madelung's disease. Report of a case and review of the literature].

Madelung's disease, also known as benign symmetrical lipomatosis, is a rare proliferative disorder of unknown etiology that was first mentioned by Brodie in 1846. Characterized by multiple symmetrical deposits of unencapsulated fat in the head and neck region, the disease is most common in middle-aged men with a history of alcohol abuse. The only effective therapy in cases of dyspnea and dysphagia, indicating the necessity of treatment, is the surgical resection of the adipose tissue. The authors report on the evaluation and therapy in a case of giant Madelung's disease.