Lipoblastoma of the Back; A Case of a 7-month-old Boy

Abstract

Lipoblastomatous tumours are rare, benign tumours of embryonic adipose tissue which primarily occur in children younger than 3 years. Most common, these tumours can be found in the extremities, yet cases involving other locations, such as the trunk, face, neck and mediastinum, have been described and they have an excellent prognosis despite its potential to local invasion and rapid growth.

In medical literature two types are known, the focal well circumscribed lipoblastoma, and the more diffusely infiltrating lipoblastomatosis.

The authors report a case of a 7-months old Ethiopian boy with a congenital lipoblastoma on the back. Despite surgical intervention, we were confronted with recurrences.

In conclusion, we stress the morbidity of possible surgical management and the difficulty in decision-making. Therefore, awareness in young children with a fast growing lipomatous mass for this clinical and histopathological entity is crucial.

Key Words:

• Lipoblastoma
• liposarcoma
• child.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

C. Van Waes

C. Van Waes Beukendreef 26 8020 Herstberge E-mail: [email protected]