Spindle Cell/Pleomorphic Lipoma of the Oropharynx

ABSTRACT

We report a rare case of spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma of the oropharynx. A 45-year-old woman presented with a 9-month history of a lump in 2001. A well demarcated polypoid, rubbery mass was found in the left vallecula and was surgically removed. The mass was diagnosed as a spindle cell lipoma. She revisited with the same complaint in 2008. Examination revealed another polypoid mass at the left aryepiglottic fold, near the previous excision site. The excised mass histologically consisted of mature fat cells, numerous bizarre giant cells, and bland spindle cells, features of a typical pleomorphic lipoma. This is the first case of recurrent oropharyngeal spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma, showing histologic changes during the recurrence. Complete removal and follow-up are necessary for the treatment of this uncommon neoplasm.