A huge retropharyngeal lipoma: a rare cause of dysphagia: a case report and literature review

Monia, Ghammam; Houas, Jihène; Bellakhdher, Mouna; Abdelkéfi, Mohamed

doi:10.11604/pamj.2019.33.12.18541

Cited by 8 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Primary tumors of the retropharyngeal space are rare and have been published only as case reports in both adults and children. [2][3][4][5] Lipomas are the commonest primary RPS tumors that have been reported. Ghammam et al in their case report on retropharyngeal lipoma noted that as of 2019, less than 50 cases had been reported in the literature.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Retropharyngeal space lipoma: an unusual cause of dysphagia

Asoegwu

Wakwe

Nwawolo

2021

Int J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg

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<p class="abstract">Lipomas are uncommon in the head and neck region and rare in the retropharyngeal space. Lipoma of the retropharyngeal space may cause aerodigestive tract obstruction presenting as dyspnea and or dysphagia. The presenting symptoms will depend on the size and site of the lipoma in the retropharyngeal space. We present the case of a 57 years old male with 6 months’ history of progressive dysphagia to solid foods only and no positive sign on clinical examination. The barium swallow was normal. The computed tomography (CT) scan showed a moderate-sized homogenous mass of fat density in the hypopharyngeal section of the retropharyngeal space. Diagnosis of dysphagia caused by retropharyngeal lipoma was made. This was surgically excised via the trans-cervical route with no complications, complete resolution of symptoms, and no recurrence 2 years after on follow-up. In the dysphagia of unknown cause, retropharyngeal space lipoma should be considered.</p>

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Ghammam et al in their case report on retropharyngeal lipoma noted that as of 2019, less than 50 cases had been reported in the literature. 2 Other primary RPS tumors reported, include liposarcoma, schwannoma, fibrolipoma, chordoma, and synovial sarcoma. [6][7][8] These are all case reports.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Retropharyngeal space lipoma: an unusual cause of dysphagia

Asoegwu

Wakwe

Nwawolo

2021

Int J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg

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“…Lipomas of the retropharyngeal spaces are quite rare, accounting for less than 1% of all benign neoplasms in the airway [2]. Of the few cases reported in a search of the literature, symptoms such as obstructive sleep apnea or swelling were reported, leading to the detection of the tumor [3][4][5][6][7]. In the case presented in this report, no symptoms of any kind were reported.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…Additionally, the cases reported previously demonstrate the appearance of retropharyngeal lipomas in contrast-enhanced MDCT (multi-detector computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) [3][4][5][6][7]. However, the initial discovery of this tumor was via a routine pre-surgical CBCT (cone beam computed tomography).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Large airway-obstructing retropharyngeal lipoma in an asymptomatic patient: a case report

Ehlers¹,

Bozanich²,

Tahmasbi-Arashlow³

et al. 2020

Int J Implant Dent

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Background: Lipomas are common benign mesenchymal tumors that appear in the head and neck region in approximately 25% of cases where they are noted. Lipomas of the airway region are exceedingly rare, accounting for less than 1% of airway obstruction tumors. Correlation of radiographic findings from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a rare retropharyngeal lipoma has not been previously reported. CBCT studies acquired for implant and/or other diagnostic purposes may be the first line of detection as an incidental finding. Case presentation: A 66-year-old female presented for a pre-implant CBCT with no history of other complaints or signs/symptoms. CBCT imaging depicts a large, well-defined, low-attenuation/soft tissue density lesion with an undulating appearance extending from the posterior left pharyngeal wall and occluding two-thirds of the airway from C2 to C4. The lesion extends laterally into the left parapharyngeal space and inferiorly beyond the field of view of the study. Evidence of faint internal septations was noted. The patient was immediately referred for an ENT consult. Laryngoscopy, MRI, and contrast-enhanced MDCT imaging were conducted to determine the full extent and nature of the lesion, as well as to potentially plan for biopsy and/or surgical resection. Removal of the lesion was successful, and histopathologic evaluation confirmed lipoma. Periodic follow-up was recommended to monitor for possible recurrence. Discussion: The slower growth pattern of some benign lesions may obscure any symptoms as changes the patient may normally notice take place over an extended period. Furthermore, soft tissue lesions and especially those in the posterior midline, such as in this case, may not be easily visible on routine panoramic imaging or clinical exam, allowing for substantially large growth before detection. While the soft tissue contrast of the CBCT volume is poor, enough information was present to establish an initial differential diagnosis and the need for more advanced imaging modalities. With the growing popularity and adoption of CBCT in maxillofacial imaging, a thorough understanding of the appearance of hard and soft tissue lesions, as well as a strong understanding of the baseline appearance of normal anatomy, is important to ensure no incidental pathoses go undiagnosed.

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“…Parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal masses are known to be associated with dysphagia and sleep-related breathing disorders 1 -yet benign pathology presenting in this anatomical subsite remains rare with lipomas appearing to be the most commonly encountered lesion. 2 Additionally, the retropharyngeal space is classically difficult to access for diagnostic sampling (needle aspirate or core biopsies) due to its depth and presence of adjacent critical neurovascular structures, thus histological diagnosis is typically only discovered postoperatively. 3 We present a case of retropharyngeal desmoplastic fibroblastoma (DF) presenting with new onset of snoring and dysphagia.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%