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Laryngeal hibernoma: case series of a rare tumor
Rachel B Cain1, Matthew A Zarka, Michael L Hinni
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona.
Background:
Hibernomas are rare, benign tumors of brown adipose tissue uncommonly found in the head and neck.
Methods:
A review of the English-language literature was conducted for this study. We present a series of 2 laryngeal hibernomas treated with transoral laser microsurgical resection at a tertiary referral center over a period of 18 years.
Results:
Only 2 cases of laryngeal hibernoma have been previously described in the literature. Two additional cases were encountered at our institution. Preoperative imaging demonstrated a well-circumscribed neoplasm with fat density compatible with lipoma, but internal heterogeneity and vascularity seen in the context of liposarcoma. Transoral laser microsurgical resection was successfully performed in each case.
Conclusion:
Despite unique radiographic features, hibernomas are difficult to distinguish from well-differentiated liposarcoma and lipoma variants without pathologic correlation. Complete surgical resection is indicated. In our experience, transoral laser microsurgical excision of laryngeal hibernomas is a safe, effective treatment modality with little associated morbidity.
