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[Giant laterocervical lipoma in a 6-month-old infant: a case report]
Cheikh Diene Niang1, Mame Coumba Sarr2, Moussa Ba2
1Service d'Oto-rhino-laryngologie, Centre Hospitalier National Cheikh Ahmadoul Khadim de Touba, Touba, Sénégal.
Insights
Pediatric cervical lipomas are rare mesenchymal neoplasms. This case highlights a 6-month-old infant with a large cervical lipoma, successfully treated with surgery and showing no recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Lipomas are common benign mesenchymal neoplasms, typically affecting adults.
- Cervical lipomas are infrequent, and even rarer in the pediatric population.
- Cervical masses in infants can mimic other conditions like cystic lymphangioma.
Abstract:
Lipomas are mesenchymal neoplasms that affect the head and neck region in about 13% of cases. However, they are rarely reported in the pediatric population. We here report the case of a 6-month-old infant with no notable medical history, admitted for the management of a large left lateral cervical mass that had been progressing for 4 months. Ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination revealed a large left lateral cervical mass extending to the submental area, approximately 7cm in length, with no signs of compression. Cervical CT scan showed a fat-density mass, consistent with a lipoma. The patient underwent exploratory cervicotomy with excision of the mass. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma. The clinical outcome was favorable, with no recurrence after 15 months of follow-up. Although rare in the pediatric population, cervical lipomas should be considered in infants with a cervical swelling. Its clinical manifestation is similar to that of a cystic lymphangioma.
