Giant Lipoma of the Anterior Neck Causing Dyspnea

Abstract

Lipomas are the most common benign mesenchymal tumors, composed of mature adipocytes, and may occur anywhere in the body where fatty tissue is present. Neck lipomas are rare and usually appear as solitary, small (<5 cm), and asymptomatic lesions located in the subcutis of posterior neck. Giant anterior neck lipomas are exceptionally rare and, other than cosmetic concerns, seldom present with respiratory symptoms. A 37-year-old female patient was referred for a long-standing anterior and right-sided neck swelling, which had markedly increased in size causing cosmetic disfigurement, neck discomfort, and transient episodes of dyspnea when lying on the side opposite the neck mass. Under general anesthesia, the lesion was completely dissected and removed through the elliptical cervical incision over the right supraclavicular fossa, while carefully preserving the surrounding neck structures. The postoperative recovery was uneventful and the patient was satisfied with the cosmetic outcome and relief of her respiratory symptoms.