Lipoma or liposarcoma? A cautionary case report

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2012 Jan;65(1):e11-4. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2011.08.004. Epub 2011 Aug 23.

Abstract

MERRF syndrome (myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibres) is a mitochondrial encephalomyopathy characterised by a mixed seizure disorder and myoclonus. The condition is associated with multiple large cervical lipomas that often require surgical excision. Comprehensive clinical examination combined with pre-operative radiographic imaging is vital in such cases to help differentiate benign fatty masses from potential liposarcomas. We describe a case in which a lipoma-like liposarcoma was identified following excision of what was expected, on clinical and radiological grounds, to be a lipoma. This case highlights the potential for sarcomatous changes in suspicious lipomas, and the key role that imaging plays in differentiating benign from malignant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lipoma / diagnosis
  • Lipoma / pathology*
  • Lipoma / surgery
  • Liposarcoma / diagnosis
  • Liposarcoma / pathology*
  • Liposarcoma / surgery
  • MERRF Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods