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Lipoblastoma
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Chongno-gu, Korea.
Insights
Lipoblastoma, a rare benign tumor in children, can recur even after complete removal. Tumors on the back have a higher recurrence risk and may involve the spine.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pediatric Oncology
- Pediatric Pathology
Background:
- Lipoblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor originating from embryonal fat.
- It predominantly affects infants and children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and pathological features of lipoblastoma.
- To identify risk factors for recurrence and adverse outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of nine pathologically confirmed lipoblastoma cases.
- Analysis of patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Most common presentation was a soft tissue mass; locations varied including back, neck, scrotum, retroperitoneum, perirectal area, and buttock.
- Tumor sizes ranged from 2.3 to 19.5 cm.
- Recurrence occurred in 25% of cases, with 50% of back tumors recurring and showing intraspinal extension.
Conclusions:
- Lipoblastoma, though benign, has a significant recurrence rate (25%) even after complete excision.
- Back tumors are associated with a higher recurrence rate (50%) and potential intraspinal extension.
- Close monitoring and consideration of intraspinal involvement are crucial for managing lipoblastomas, especially those on the back.
Background/Purpose:
Lipoblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor of embryonal fat that occurs almost exclusively in infants and children. This study was done to determine the clinical and pathologic characteristics of lipoblastoma.
Methods:
Nine cases of pathologically proven lipoblastoma from 1979 to 1997 were reviewed. There were 6 boys and 3 girls ranging in age from 3 months to 29 months.
Results:
A soft tissue mass was the chief complaint in 7 patients, abdominal distension in 1 patient with a retroperitoneal mass, and defecation difficulty in 1 patient with a perirectal mass. In 4 patients, tumors occurred on the back. Other tumor location includes the neck, scrotum, retroperitoneum, perirectal area, and buttock in 1 patient each. Lesions measured 2.3 to 19.5 cm. Complete excision was done in 8 patients. One perirectal tumor was removed by both the posterior sagittal approach and the intraabdominal approach but incompletely resected. Two tumors located on the back recurred with intraspinal extension 12 months and 18 months after resection. Second resection and second resection with laminectomy were done. Leg pain and urinary incontinence developed in 1 patient but improved on conservative treatment.
Conclusions:
Lipoblastoma is a benign neoplasm but can frequently recur (25%) in spite of complete excision. Lipoblastomas occurring on the back had a high recurrence rate (50%) and associated with intraspinal extension. J Pediatr Surg 36:905-907.