Lipoblastoma in infants and children
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Lipoblastoma is a rare benign tumor of embryonal fat, typically seen in children under 3 years old. Conservative surgical excision is recommended to prevent recurrence, avoiding radical cancer surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Lipoblastoma and lipoblastomatosis are rare benign tumors originating from embryonal fat.
- These tumors exhibit local invasion but lack metastatic potential.
Observation:
- Typically present in children under 3 years of age with rapid mass growth, often in extremities.
- Intrathoracic, intraperitoneal, and upper arm locations have been documented.
- CT scans may indicate a fatty tumor, but definitive diagnosis requires histopathology.
Findings:
- Differential diagnosis includes benign lipoma, liposarcoma, and myxoliposarcoma.
- Four cases were treated, presenting as rapidly growing masses initially suspected as malignant.
- Complete, conservative excision is the recommended treatment approach.
Implications:
- Inadequate excision can lead to tumor recurrence.
- Avoiding radical cancer surgery is crucial as these are benign neoplasms.
- Further research may refine diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for lipoblastoma.
Abstract:
Lipoblastoma and lipoblastomatosis are rare benign tumors of embryonal fat with a tendency to local invasion but not to metastasize. To date, there have been 60 cases described in the international literature. There has never been a report in a child older than 8 yr. The main clinical characteristics are the presentation, usually below 3 yr of age, the rapid growth of the mass and the peripheral location, mainly in the extremities. Although CT scan may show a fatty tumor, there is no single test to make the differential diagnosis (which includes benign lipoma, liposarcoma and myxoliposarcoma) and the treatment should be based on clinical findings. We have treated four patients with this condition. Two were intrathoracic, one was intraperitoneal, and one was a tumor of the upper arm. All presented as rapidly-growing tumors and were clinically assumed to be malignant. We recommend complete but conservative excision of the tumor; there are reported recurrences after inadequate excision. This is a benign tumor and radical cancer surgery should be avoided.