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Osteolipoma presenting as a submandibular mass: a rare presentation.
Suzan Kavusi1, Vanda Farahmand, Terence M Davidson
1Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, 200 West Arbor Dr. #8720, San Diego, CA 92103-8720, USA. sukavusi@ucsd.edu
Head and Neck Pathology
|July 20, 2012
Summary
Osteolipomas are rare benign tumors featuring bone within fatty tissue, particularly in the head and neck. This case highlights a submandibular osteolipoma, emphasizing its rarity and characteristic pathology for accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Lipomas are common benign neoplasms in the head and neck.
- Osteolipomas are rare variants characterized by osseous changes within adipose tissue.
- Osseous changes in lipomas typically indicate long-standing lesions.
Observation:
- A rare submandibular osteolipoma presented as an asymptomatic mass in a middle-aged male.
- This represents the third reported case of an osteolipoma in the submandibular region.
- The tumor exhibited characteristic histopathology with lamellar bony spicules within mature adipose tissue.
Findings:
- Osteolipomas are distinct from common lipomas due to the presence of bone.
- The histopathologic features are crucial for differentiating osteolipomas.
- Rarity in the submandibular area necessitates awareness among clinicians.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of osteolipoma is essential to avoid misclassification and unnecessary aggressive treatment.
- Awareness of this rare entity aids pathologists and head and neck surgeons in diagnosis.
- Understanding the benign nature of osteolipomas prevents overtreatment of these lesions.
