Giant Lipoma of Posterior Cervical Region

Abstract

Lipomas are the slow growing soft tissue tumors of benign nature. They commonly grow on torso and extremities but may also develop in head and neck region. Rarely lipomas can grow to acquire gigantic proportions, turning into an entity termed as giant lipoma. Such lipomas are entitled to immediate attention as they have a relatively high malignant potential. We report a rare case of giant cervical lipoma in an elderly gentleman, followed by a brief discussion on diagnosis and management of the disorder.

Giant Lipoma of the Shoulder: A Conundrum in a Child

“…The main concern while dealing with giant lipomas is to rule out malignancy. Liposarcoma is the most common soft tissue malignancy in the long standing lipomas; however, such occurrence is very rare [15]. It constitutes approximately 10% of all the soft tissue sarcomas and is predominantly a disease of adulthood with peak incidence around the 5th to 6th decade of life and with a slight male predominance.…”

Massive lipoma of the posterior neck

“…Giant lipomas are rare, particularly in the posterior neck, and the mechanism underlying such growth is not well understood, although some suggest trauma may play a role 1 2. The most important differential to rule out remains liposarcoma.…”

“…Lipomas are slow-growing, benign, soft tissue tumours that are typically asymptomatic and occur in the head and neck region in approximately 13% of cases 1 2. A lipoma is considered giant when it is >10 cm in any dimension or weighs more than 1000 g 3…”

Giant angiolipoma of the arm in an elderly patient

“…1 Lipomas >10cm in any dimension are termed 'giant lipomas'. 4 Diameter >5cm, rapid growth, and intramuscular locations have been reported to be risk factors for malignancy. 3 The main concern when dealing with a giant lipoma in the extremities is to exclude liposarcomas, though they are very rare.…”

“…3 The main concern when dealing with a giant lipoma in the extremities is to exclude liposarcomas, though they are very rare. 3,4 Few data are available regarding giant angiolipomas. Herein, we present a unique case of a giant angiolipoma of the arm in an octogenarian patient.…”