Cervical lipoblastoma: Case report, review of literature, and genetic analysis

Abstract

Cervical lipoblastoma is rare, and typically presents as an asymptomatic, painless mass, rarely causing airway obstruction or nerve compression. MRI can be helpful in identifying the lipomatous nature of the mass, but the findings can be inconsistent due to variable maturity of fat cells and the mesenchymal content of the tumor. Chromosomal analysis is useful in differentiating lipoblastoma from liposarcoma. Recommended treatment is complete surgical excision.

Pediatric lipoblastoma in the head and neck: A systematic review of 48 reported cases

“…There is no evidence of nuclear atypia as would be seen in liposarcomas [21]. There is a growing body of research correlating chromosomal breakpoint abnormalities at 8q11-q13 with lipoblastoma [22,23].…”

“…There is a growing body of research correlating chromosomal breakpoint abnormalities at 8q11-q13 with lipoblastoma [22,23]. There is the potential in the future for chromosomal analysis to assist with the histological diagnosis [21].…”

Spectrum of Fat-containing Soft-Tissue Masses at MR Imaging: The Common, the Uncommon, the Characteristic, and the Sometimes Confusing

“…These tumors most commonly occur in the extremities (25). A lipoblastoma typically pre sents as a rapidly enlarging, painless mass with occasional reports of Horner syndrome, respiratory compromise, spinal cord compression, extremity weakness, and hemiparesis (4,(26)(27)(28)(29)(30).…”

Lipoblastoma with unique localization requiring tracheal and esophageal resection

“…Neck lipoblastoma and lipoblastomatosis are frequently asymptomatic, but respiratory compromise has been reported in around 30% of cases [5,6] owing to airway dislocation and compression by the tumor. Horner syndrome [6,7] or hemiparesis [3,7] may also occur. Lung lipoblastoma is unique [8,9], whereas to our knowledge, lipoblastoma localized in the upper airway and esophagus has never been reported.…”

“…Even if biologically benign, these neoplasms, in particular lipoblastomatosis, can be difficult to resect completely because of their undefined margins; and relapses are therefore frequent. In the literature, there are few published case series of lipoblastoma/lipoblastomatosis [2][3][4]. Neck localization is not uncommon; and in around a third of cases, it was found to cause respiratory symptoms owing to external compression and dislocation of the upper airway [5].…”