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Hibernoma: a rare case of adipocytic tumor in head and neck
Alexandra Rodriguez Ruiz1, Sven Saussez1,2, Thibaut Demaesschalck1
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint Pierre, Free University of Brussels, rue Haute 322, B1000 Brussels, Belgium.
Background:
Hibernoma is a rare soft tissue tumor stem from persistent fetal brown fat tissue. This benign tumor may occasionally occur in head and neck area and, in most cases, is characterized by an asymptomatic slow growth.
Case Presentation:
We presented an uncommon case of hibernoma of the posterior cervical triangle occurring in a 30-year-old man referred to the department of otolaryngology. The patient suffered from a right, very painful, and rapidly growing mass since 3 months. MRI examination reported both an infiltrating mass and a homogenous enhancement of an underlying vascularization after the injection of intravenous contrast. According to the risk of sarcoma, a surgical procedure was made to completely excise the mass that was a hibernoma.
Conclusions:
Hibernoma may occur with an uncommon clinical presentation imitating malignancy. MRI plays a key role in the differential diagnosis and surgery remains the better therapeutic approach.
