A RARE CLINICAL CASE OF A GIANT LIPOMA OF THE RIGHT THIGH

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Dermatology
• Radiology

Background:

• Lipomas are benign adipose tissue tumors, typically slow-growing and asymptomatic.
• Giant lipomas (≥10 cm or ≥1 kg) are rare and can lead to nerve/vessel compression, restricted mobility, and cosmetic deformity.
• Genetic factors like HMGA2 and LPP gene mutations are associated with lipoma development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of a giant lipoma of the thigh.
• To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with giant lipomas.
• To highlight the importance of surgical intervention for improving quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A 65-year-old patient with a 15-year history of a giant right thigh lipoma presented with discomfort.
• Diagnostic work-up included physical examination, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and biopsy.
• Radical surgical excision was performed under spinal anesthesia, followed by a smooth postoperative recovery.

Main Results:

• The giant lipoma measured 40 × 35 cm preoperatively and weighed 5700 g post-excision (50 × 35 cm).
• The surgical excision was uneventful with minimal blood loss (100 ml).
• The patient experienced complete wound healing and was discharged in satisfactory condition.

Conclusions:

• Giant lipomas necessitate thorough preoperative evaluation (including MRI, histology, and potentially genetic testing) to rule out malignancy.
• Radical surgical excision is the primary treatment for giant lipomas to restore function and improve quality of life.
• Successful surgical intervention leads to sustained improvement in physical and psycho-emotional well-being.