Lipoblasts

Lipoblasts are immature fat cells involved in the development of normal fat tissue. They are still growing and maturing but have not yet developed into fully formed fat cells, known as adipocytes. Lipoblasts play an important role in forming fat tissue in the body and can also be seen in some types of tumors.

Where are lipoblasts normally found?

Lipoblasts are normally found in the developing fat tissue of the body, particularly in areas where fat tissue is growing or regenerating. In healthy individuals, lipoblasts are typically present during the formation of new fat, such as in the fetus or during wound healing. They are not commonly seen in fully developed, mature fat tissue.

Tumors that contain lipoblasts

Lipoblasts are often found in certain types of tumors that involve fat tissue. These tumours include:

1. Well differentiated liposarcoma
2. Myxoid liposarcoma
3. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma
4. Pleomorphic liposarcoma
5. Atypical lipomatous tumour
6. Atypical spindle cell lipomatous tumour
7. Atypical pleomorphic lipomatous tumour
8. Lipoblastoma
9. Chondroid lipoma

What do lipoblasts look like under the microscope?

Under the microscope, lipoblasts have a distinctive appearance. They are larger than normal fat cells and have a nucleus often pushed to the side by one or more small fat droplets inside the cell. The cell’s shape can vary but often appears irregular or “scalloped.” The fat droplets within the lipoblast may also give the cell a bubbly appearance. Pathologists recognize lipoblasts by these characteristic features when examining tissue under a microscope.

What is the difference between a lipoblast and a pseudolipoblast?

A lipoblast is a true immature fat cell with the potential to mature into a normal adipocyte. In contrast, a pseudolipoblast is a cell that resembles a lipoblast but is not involved in fat tissue formation. Pseudolipoblasts are often seen in tumours made up of fat but can also be seen in non-fatty tumours.

Are lipoblasts a sign of cancer?

Lipoblasts can be a sign of cancer, especially when found in a tumour in older adults. However, the presence of lipoblasts alone is not enough to diagnose cancer, as pathologists also consider other factors, such as the behavior of the tumour and the appearance of surrounding cells. For example, a tumour is more likely to be malignant (cancerous) when lipoblasts are associated with other concerning features such as increased mitotic activity (cell division) and necrosis (cell death)

Can lipoblasts be found in benign (noncancerous) tumors?

Yes, lipoblasts can sometimes be found in benign (noncancerous) tumors. One example is a tumor called lipoblastoma, which occurs most commonly in young children. While lipoblastomas contain immature fat cells, including lipoblasts, they are not cancerous and generally do not spread to other body parts. In some benign tumors, lipoblasts reflect the ongoing development of fat tissue within the tumor rather than a sign of aggressive behavior.