Cervical hibernoma in a two year old boy
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Khalid Khattala1, Aziz Elmadi1, Hanane Bouamama1
1Department of pediatric surgery, Hospital University Hassan II, Fez, Morroco.
Insights
Hibernomas, rare benign tumors mimicking brown fat, can occur in children. This case highlights a cervical hibernoma in a two-year-old, emphasizing diagnostic challenges and the need for awareness in pediatric soft tissue tumors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Hibernomas are rare, benign soft tissue tumors that resemble brown adipose tissue.
- Typically diagnosed in adults aged 40-50, hibernomas are exceptionally uncommon in pediatric populations.
- Cervical hibernomas are particularly rare, presenting diagnostic challenges due to their infrequent occurrence.
Observation:
- A two-year-old patient presented with a cervical tumor.
- Imaging studies (ultrasound and CT) revealed an infiltrative, hypervascular, and lipomatous mass.
- Surgical excision was performed for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of hibernoma.
- The tumor exhibited characteristics consistent with a benign brown fat tumor.
- This case represents a rare pediatric instance of cervical hibernoma.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering hibernoma in the differential diagnosis of pediatric cervical masses.
- Advanced imaging techniques are crucial for characterizing these lipomatous tumors.
- Early diagnosis and surgical management are key for favorable outcomes in pediatric hibernoma cases.
Abstract:
Hibernomas are uncommon benign soft tissue tumours mimicking brown fat. They are mostly seen in the fourth and fifth decades of life. Only few cases in the cervical area have been reported. Because of its rarity in pediatrics and difficult diagnosis, we report a tow year-old patient with a cervical tumor. Ultrasound and computed tomography exams showed an infiltrative, with hypervascular and lipomatous features. After tumor excision, histopathological exam confirmed the diagnosis of hibernoma or brown fat tumor. This presentation describes the characteristics of this type of tumor, rare in children.
