Adenolipomas of the head and neck: analysis of 6 cases

Adenolipomas are rare benign neoplasms composed of mature adipose tissue and glandular elements. We report 6 patients with adenolipomas of the head and neck region: 3 in the parathyroid, 2 in the thyroid, and 1 in the parotid gland. The patients were 4 women and 2 men, ranging in age from 21 to 70 years (mean, 62.5 years). The patients with parathyroid adenolipomas manifested signs and symptoms of hyperparathyroidism, whereas the others complained of a mass in the neck. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful tools for the preoperative diagnosis of adenolipomas of the head and neck. The findings of adipose tissue and benign glandular elements by fine-needle aspiration biopsy should prompt consideration of adenolipoma in the differential diagnosis. Complete surgical excision is curative.