Atypical large congenital lipoma of the scalp: Case report of a 7-month-old infant

Abstract

Introduction: Lipomas are the most common benign mesenchymal tumors, with congenital cases being rare. In children, lipomatous tumors account for 6% of soft tissue tumors, and the head and neck are involved in 13% of cases. This report presents an atypical case of a large congenital lipoma on the scalp of a 7-month-old infant. Case Report: A 7-month-old infant was referred with a firm, painless occipital mass, first noticed at birth and gradually increasing in size. The mass measured 70 mm × 28 mm on examination. Imaging, including ultrasound and CT, revealed a heterogeneous formation with fatty density. Surgical excision was performed, and the postoperative course was uncomplicated. Discussion: Lipomas in children are uncommon, and imaging modalities like ultrasound, CT, and MRI are key in diagnosis. This case emphasizes the challenges in diagnosing atypical congenital lipomas, where histological examination is crucial for confirmation. Conclusion: A rare, large congenital lipoma in an infant presented atypically. Surgical excision and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis, highlighting the importance of considering this diagnosis in similar cases.