Head and neck lipomas: presentation variability

ABSTRACT

Head and neck lipoma has seldom drawn attention in the literature except for separate case reports. Study presentation variability of head and neck lipomas as well as relative importance and efficiency of preoperative diagnostic methods used. Patients diagnosed as having head and neck lipomas presented to the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, Alexandria Faculty of Medicine were included in this study. Preoperative clinical, laboratory and radiological evaluation was conducted peroperatively. Surgical excision was done and postoperative histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Twenty-four patients had 26 lipomas. Males predominated [62.5%]. The posterior subcutaneous neck was the most common site. Three patients had deep lipomas affecting the hypopharynx, larynx and parotid gland; all were correctly diagnosed preoperatively. Computed tomography [CT] scans with specific radiodensity recording was the preferred preoperative investigation. Lipomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft-tissue head and neck masses even in rare locations. CT or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] scans can accurately diagnose a lipoma preoperatively thereby allow for better treatment planning