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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Intrapelvic lipoblastoma with massive spinal canal invasion
1Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine Chungnam National University, 640, Daesa-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-721, South Korea.
Insights
This case report details a rare pediatric lipoblastoma with extensive spinal invasion in a 3-year-old boy. Surgical intervention was performed, highlighting the importance of follow-up for potential recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Lipoblastoma is a rare, benign pediatric tumor originating from embryonic white fat cells.
- Spinal invasion by lipoblastoma in children is exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old boy presented with progressive urinary incontinence and bowel dysfunction.
- Imaging revealed a large pelvic mass invading the lumbosacral spinal canal, compressing the thecal sac from L4 to the sacrum.
- Surgical decompression involved laminectomy and subtotal removal of the intraspinal mass.
Findings:
- Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of lipoblastoma.
- The tumor demonstrated massive invasion into the lower lumbosacral spinal canal, a unique presentation.
Implications:
- Complete surgical excision is the primary treatment for lipoblastoma.
- Close clinical follow-up is crucial after incomplete resection due to the risk of tumor recurrence.
Objects:
The lipoblastoma is a rare benign pediatric neoplasm that derives from embryonic white fat cells. However, this tumor with spinal invasion in children is extremely rare. We report a case of a 3-year-old boy who had lipoblastoma with massive invasion into the lower lumbosacral spinal canal.
Case Report:
A 3-year-old boy had suffered from progressive urinary incontinence and uncontrolled defecation during past 3 months. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans showed that a large lobulated pelvic cavity mass had invaded the lumbosacral spinal canal. The mass was located over the epidural space from L4 to the lower sacral spinal canal, resulting in the compression of the thecal sac. After total laminectomy from L4 to S3 with flavectomy, a subtotal mass removal for the intraspinal canal mass was done. Histopathologic diagnosis confirmed the lipoblastoma.
Conclusion:
Lipoblastoma is a rare benign neoplasm and lumbosacral invasion is unique. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. If an incomplete surgical excision is performed, close observation and clinical follow-up must be done because a recurrence is possible.
