Infantile congenital parotid lipomatosis: a rare case report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Congenital parotid lipomatosis is a rare benign tumor characterized by fatty infiltration of the parotid gland.
• It typically presents in infancy or childhood as a slowly enlarging, painless parotid mass.

Observation:

• This case report details a congenital parotid lipomatosis in an infant.
• The condition often poses diagnostic challenges due to its rarity and nonspecific presentation, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Findings:

• Preoperative diagnosis is frequently difficult as lipomatosis is not commonly included in the differential diagnosis of parotid masses.
• Histopathological examination confirms the diagnosis of lipomatosis.

Implications:

• Early recognition and consideration of congenital parotid lipomatosis in the differential diagnosis of pediatric parotid masses are crucial.
• Complete surgical excision, including superficial or total parotidectomy while preserving the facial nerve, is the definitive treatment.
• This approach ensures optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes for affected children.