Virilizing malignant lipid cell tumor producing erythropoietin.

Paraneoplastic erythrocytosis associated with production of erythropoietin and testosterone by a malignant lipid cell tumor is demonstrated in this case report. Several chemotherapeutic regimens failed to halt the progression of this aggressive metastatic lipid cell tumor. The scant literature on malignant lipid cell tumors is reviewed. Possible mechanisms for paraneoplastic erythrocytosis are presented. Adequate control of polycythemia preoperatively will reduce thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications.