Genetics
Is Dercum’s disease genetic? There is some evidence to suggest that it is. According to medical literature, Dercum’s disease may be inherited and can run in families. Studies propose that it follows an autosomal dominant trait. This means that a child can develop the disease if they inherit a single abnormal gene from either parent or if there is a mutation. However, it is important to note that these findings have not been fully verified due to limited research on Dercum’s disease. Nevertheless, ongoing studies are currently being conducted to gain a better understanding of this condition.
Affected Populations
Dercum’s disease primarily affects females, although the exact occurrence rate is still unknown. Studies suggest that Dercum’s disease is up to 20 times more common in females compared to males. The majority of women affected by Dercum’s disease fall within the age range of 45 to 60. Among them, postmenopausal women who meet the criteria for being overweight are most susceptible to the condition. While rare, physicians have also identified cases of Dercum’s disease in children. However, due to its rarity and the challenges associated with diagnosis, experts believe that the disease is often underdiagnosed.