A large breast lump causing a diagnostic dilemma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Radiology

Background:

• Lipomas, benign tumors of mature fat cells, are common mesenchymal neoplasms.
• Giant lipomas are rare, exceptionally large variants that can cause diagnostic difficulties.
• Breast lipomas are infrequent, making giant variants even rarer.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old woman presented with sudden right breast asymmetry due to a rapidly growing mass.
• Imaging studies including ultrasonography, mammography, and MRI yielded inconclusive or contradictory results.
• The mass was initially suspected to be a lipoma with cystic necrosis, but differential diagnoses were considered.

Findings:

• Wide surgical excision was performed, revealing a 17 cm tumor.
• Histopathological examination confirmed the mass as a giant lipoma composed of mature adipose tissue.
• The tumor was encapsulated and benign, despite initial diagnostic ambiguity.

Implications:

• Giant breast lipomas can present diagnostic challenges, necessitating advanced imaging and definitive histopathological analysis.
• This case underscores the importance of considering rare presentations of common benign tumors.
• Accurate diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in giant lipoma cases.