Giant cervico-mediastinal lipoma. A clinical case

Area of Science:

• Medical Case Study
• Oncology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Lipomas are benign tumors of adipose tissue, typically small and asymptomatic.
• Neck lipomas can grow large and cause compressive symptoms.
• Cardiac arrhythmias can have various etiologies, including external compression.

Observation:

• A 77-year-old woman presented with a progressively enlarging neck mass causing dysphagia, dyspnea, and palpitations.
• Imaging revealed a large anterior neck lipoma compressing the trachea and neurovascular structures.
• The patient exhibited ventricular and supraventricular extrasystoles.

Findings:

• Surgical excision of the 9 cm neck lipoma was performed under local anesthesia due to airway compromise.
• Histological examination confirmed the mass as a lipoma.
• Post-surgery, all compressive symptoms and cardiac arrhythmias resolved promptly.

Implications:

• This case suggests external compression of cervical structures by masses like lipomas can induce cardiac arrhythmias.
• Investigating neck masses is crucial for diagnosing and treating arrhythmias of unknown origin.
• Prompt surgical intervention for symptomatic neck lipomas can alleviate both local and systemic symptoms.