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Case Reports
. 2022 Apr 27;14(4):e24544.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.24544. eCollection 2022 Apr.

A Challenging "Achy" Neck

John P Yaro  1 , Yousef Ibrahim  1 , Amandeep Mann  2 , Jo-Yen Chan  3 , Mohamed-Shaji Mansuri  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

A Challenging "Achy" Neck

John P Yaro et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Lipomas are common benign mesenchymal tumours that may occur in many regions of the body. Giant neck lipomas are uncommon, especially when they arise from the neck and extend into the thorax. In this case report, we present a unique case of a giant submuscular lipoma involving the posterior neck triangle extending down to the scapular tip. A 43-year-old male presented with a six-month history of two slow-growing masses involving the left neck and scapular region. MRI demonstrated a single large fat suppressing lesion underlying the left trapezius muscle extending down to the scapula with homogenous signal return and smooth outline measuring 4.5x7.5 cm by 16 cm. Histology showed features consistent with lipoma. Giant lipomas in the neck post a significant diagnostic and surgical challenge. The importance of pre-operative planning and patient involvement in decision-making are essential.

Keywords: angiolipoma; giant lipoma; liposarcoma; posterior neck; rare diseases.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. MRI Scan (Coronal)
Figure 2
Figure 2. MRI Scan (Axial)
Figure 3
Figure 3. MRI Scan (Sagittal)
Figure 4
Figure 4. Intra-operative photo
Figure 5
Figure 5. Intra-operative photos (after removal)
Figure 6
Figure 6. Histopathological image showing a lipoma (2 vessels present)
Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain, Magnification x2
Figure 7
Figure 7. Lipoma (adipocytes)
Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain, Magnification x4
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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