Lipoblastoma of infancy mimicking hemangioma of infancy

Abstract

Lipoblastomas are rare benign tumors of infancy that usually affect children younger than 3 years. Most lipoblastomas (70%) occur on the extremities. Lipoblastomas may mimic other infantile tumors, including hemangiomas, hibernomas, lipomas, and liposarcomas, and correct diagnosis is necessary to ensure appropriate treatment. Lipoblastomas fall under 2 discrete subtypes: well-circumscribed lipoblastomas and diffuse lipoblastomatosis. Both types present with firm, nontender masses of lobulated, well-circumscribed soft tissue. Histologically they can be highly vascularized with plexiform capillaries, often with an individual feeder artery to each lobule. Complete surgical removal is the recommended treatment. Only 2 cases of lipoblastomas of the cheek have been reported in the English-language literature. We present the case of a young child with a cheek lipoblastoma, emphasizing the importance of correct diagnosis and highlighting techniques used to provide suitable treatment.