Lipoblastoma in childhood: about 10 cases

Lipoblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumour of embryonal fat that occurs almost exclusively in infants and children. This determined the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspect of this disease.

A total of 10 cases of pathologically proven lipoblastoma from 2003 to 2012 were reviewed.

There were six boys and four girls ranging in age from 7 months to 9 years. A soft-tissue mass was the main complain in nine patients. The various locations of the mass were mediastinal, thigh, buttock, inguino-scrotal, the greater omentum and the Latissimus dorsi. Lesions measured 5-15 cm. complete excision was done. The median time of follow-up was 42 months (ranges between 18 and 84 months). There were no recurrences.

It is important to consider lipoblastoma in the diagnosis of a rapidly enlarging fatty mass in children. Complete resection is the only definitive treatment and should not be delayed when impingement on surrounding structures is imminent. There is a tendency for these lesions to recur despite presumed complete excision. Therefore, follow-up for a minimum of 5 years is recommended.