Subcutaneous shoulder hibernoma presenting as an atypical lipomatous tumor - a case report

Abstract

Hibernomas are soft tissue tumors derived from remnants of brown fat. They are rare masses that can have variable presentations ranging from incidental asymptomatic masses to pain due to nerve compression. We present the case of a 52-year-old male presenting with an atypical lipomatous mass on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The mass was excised and sent for pathology with the result being a hibernoma. We should be vigilant in the treatment of such tumor presentations as they may be a low grade liposarcoma in disguise. Surgical biopsy or excision is the best treatment for achieving a definite diagnosis.

Keywords: atypical lipomatous tumor; hibernoma; upper extremity tumors.