Lipofibromatous hamartoma of a cranial nerve

Lipofibromatous hamartomas (LFHs) are rare benign tumors that typically present as slow-growing firm masses in the subcutaneous soft tissue of the extremities. These often develop in young adults on the volar aspects of the hands, wrists, and forearms along major nerves and their branches. Only a single case of LFH growth along a cranial nerve has been reported. A 41-year-old man presented with a subcutaneous soft mass of the cheek. Histologically, the mass consisted of a proliferating fibrofatty tissue that surrounded and infiltrated the nerve structure and it was confirmed to be an LFH. After surgical excision, the patient experienced mild facial numbness and motor disturbance on the side ipsilateral to the resection. Because complete excision of the mass can cause sensory or motor disturbances, an accurate diagnosis and proper subsequent treatment, such as partial decompression, are necessary.