Atypical lipomatous tumors of the face: a controversial issue

We reviewed the topic of atypical lipomatous tumors including definition, diagnosis and management, with special emphasis on head and neck location and to report on the management of a rare case located in the temporalis muscle. Atypical lipomatous tumors/well-differentiated liposarcomas (ALT/WDLS) are rarely reported in the head and neck. Their behavior dictates a complete resection. Resection with a safety margin is sometimes needed according to the histological characteristics. Tumors located to the masticator space can be accessed through a mucosal approach achieving relative safety to the facial nerve. ALT constitute a group of tumors of a borderline behavior. Their management can be affected by some histological criteria and by their location in the head and neck region where vital structures can be affected.