Giant lipoma of head and neck region: A case series

Abstract

Lipomas, also known as “universal tumours” are benign soft tissue tumour of mesenchymal origin occurring in approximately 1% of the population, 13% of all the lipomas are reported to be in the head and neck region. Knowing the universal nature of the tumour, in most cases there is no diagnostic dilemma and an accurate clinical diagnosis can be made. However, large swelling, especially of the head and neck region arise the suspicion of malignancy. The primary diagnostic challenge is to differentiate a lipoma from other malignant lesions, specially a well-circumscribed liposarcoma. Diagnostic imaging like X-ray, Ultrasound, CT Scan and MRI are helpful in evaluating these swellings and confirming the diagnosis and deciding the course of further management. In this case series we have reported three cases of giant lipoma of head and neck region.