Lipoblastoma

Lipoblastoma is a rare, benign tumor that originates from adipose tissue and typically occurs in children under the age of three. It was first described by Jaffe in 1926. Lipoblastomas can occur anywhere in the body but are most commonly found in the extremities, trunk, and head and neck region. They are often mistaken for lipomas, but unlike lipomas, lipoblastomas are more likely to recur after surgical removal.

Epidemiology

Lipoblastomas are extremely rare, with fewer than 200 cases reported in the medical literature. They are more common in males than in females, and the majority of cases occur in children under the age of three. However, they can also occur in adults, although this is very rare.

Pathophysiology

Lipoblastomas are composed of immature fat cells, or lipoblasts. They are thought to arise from a disruption in the normal process of fat cell development, although the exact cause is unknown. Lipoblastomas can grow rapidly and may compress nearby structures, causing symptoms such as pain or difficulty moving the affected limb.

Clinical Presentation

The most common symptom of a lipoblastoma is a painless, soft, and mobile mass. The size of the tumor can vary greatly, from a few centimeters to over 20 centimeters in diameter. Other symptoms can include pain, difficulty moving the affected limb, and, in rare cases, symptoms related to compression of nearby structures.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of lipoblastoma is typically made based on the clinical presentation and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI. However, the definitive diagnosis is made by histopathological examination of the tumor.

Treatment

The primary treatment for lipoblastoma is surgical removal of the tumor. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used if the tumor cannot be completely removed. The prognosis for lipoblastoma is generally good, although recurrence is common.

See Also

• Lipoma
• Adipose tissue
• Benign tumor

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