Giant Parapharyngeal Space Lipoma Extending to the Pterygoid Region (Anterior Skull Base)

Abstract

Although lipoma is frequently seen in the head and neck region, but occurrence of the lipoma in the parapharyngeal space is rare. It is extremely rare for a parapharyngeal lipoma to extent to the pterygoid region (ie, anterior skull base). Management of giant parapharyngeal space lipoma with skull base extension and proximity to the vital neurovascular structures poses a challenge to surgeon. The authors report a patient with giant lipoma extending from the upper border of the clavicle to the pterygoid region. Complete excision was done using upper transverse cervical incision and pterygoid region was approached after removal of the ipsilateral submandibular gland. Surgery produced excellent cosmetic results with no functional impairment.

Lipoma Cervicofacial Gigante: Reporte de un caso.

“…Medina et al (5) el año 2007 reportaron un LG en la región submental. Hakeem et al (12) el año 2018 reportaron un LG en el espacio parafaríngeo que se extendía incluso a la región pterigoidea (base anterior de cráneo). Es decir, según los reportes mencionados anteriormente, los LG de cabeza y cuello pueden ubicarse anatomicamente en diferentes regiones e incluso pueden comprometer la estética facial, estructuras glandulares, la vía área, entre otras.…”

Lipoma of the Neck

“…Imaging techniques (ultrasound diagnosis, X-ray and MRI of the cervical area) excluded a communication with the thyroid. Also, a giant parapharyngeal lipoma extending to the pterygoid region (anterior skull base) could also be excluded [ 7 ].…”