JOCS
Journal of Comprehensive Surgery

The aim of the Comprehensive Surgery is to publish original research articles of the highest scientific and clinical value at the international level in all surgical fields.

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Atypically located lipomas in the head and neck region: two case reports and a review of the literature
Abstract
Lipomas are the most frequently seen benign tumors and can develop in any region containing fatty tissue. Approximately 13% of lipomas appear in the head and neck, most commonly in the posterior cervical region. While subcutaneous lipomas are typically asymptomatic, those located in the upper aerodigestive tract can cause symptoms such as dysphagia, odynophagia, voice restriction, dyspnea, and a foreign body sensation. This report describes two cases of rare retropharyngeal and buccal space lipoma. Case 1: A 78-year-old man presented with difficulty swallowing and a foreign body sensation in the throat persisting for the previous two years. Examination revealed a soft, smooth mass extending from the soft palate to the upper margin of the epiglottis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a retropharyngeal space lipoma approximately 49x18 mm in size. The lipoma was excluded intraorally without complications, and no recurrence was observed at follow-up. Case 2: A 51-year-old man presented with a history of a growing, painless mass in the left buccal region causing facial asymmetry for the previous three years. MRI revealed a 42x34 mm lipoma in the left buccal region.The lipoma was excluded intraorally without complications, and no recurrence was observed at follow-up. Lipomas in the head and neck region are relatively rare, and retropharyngeal and buccal space lipomas are less common. Surgical excision using an intraoral approach is effective and typically prevents recurrence. Pathological examination is needed to confirm the diagnosis and exclude malignancy, and provides positive outcomes for patients.

Keywords : Lipoma, retropharyngeal lipoma, buccal lipoma, intraoral approach, dysphagia, surgical excision

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Article available in :
Volume 2, Issue 4, 2024
Page : 97-99
https://doi.org/10.51271/JOCS-0045
Article Information
Received : 07 Aug 2024
Accepted : 26 Aug 2024
Published : 28 Nov 2024
Corresponding Author :

Serkan Altıparmak: Department of Otolaringology, Head and Neck Surgery, Mengücek Gazi Training and Research Hospital, Erzincan, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Altıparmak S. Atypically located lipomas in the head and neck region: two case reports and a review of the literature. J Compr Surg. 2024;2(4):97-99.

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