Giant Lipoma in the Trapezius Muscle: A Rare Case Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Intramuscular lipomas are rare, benign tumors developing within muscle tissue, typically affecting individuals aged 40-70.
• The thigh is the most common site, with lipomas >5 cm classified as giant lipomas.
• Intramuscular lipomas in the trapezius muscle are exceptionally rare, warranting further investigation.

Observation:

• A 40-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of a right shoulder mass causing mild limitation.
• Initial removal attempts were unsuccessful due to the mass's depth.
• Imaging revealed a well-defined, vascular mass, confirmed by MRI as a 1041 cm³ intramuscular lipoma in the right trapezius muscle.

Findings:

• Surgical extraction of the giant trapezius intramuscular lipoma was successfully performed without complications.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is vital for accurate diagnosis and differentiation from other soft tissue tumors.
• Surgical excision is the preferred treatment for symptomatic cases, demonstrating low recurrence rates.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging techniques like MRI for diagnosing rare giant intramuscular lipomas in unusual locations such as the trapezius muscle.
• Further epidemiological studies are needed to better understand the incidence and characteristics of intramuscular lipomas, especially within the trapezius muscle.
• Accurate diagnosis and timely surgical intervention can lead to favorable outcomes for patients with symptomatic intramuscular lipomas.