Giant Cervical Lipoma: The First Documented Case Report From Ethiopia

Abstract

Lipomas are benign tumors composed of adipose tissue that can occur throughout the body, although a smaller proportion arise in the head and neck region. While typically small, lipomas are classified as giant when exceeding 10 cm. We present a case of a giant posterior cervical lipoma measuring approximately 20 cm, which to our knowledge is the first documented case in Ethiopia. A 56-year-old man presented with a large neck mass that he had first noticed 26 years earlier, which had recently enlarged and caused pain and limited neck movement. Neurological symptoms included headaches and bilateral paraesthesia. Physical examination revealed a significant posterior neck mass, and imaging techniques, including ultrasound and FNAC, confirmed the diagnosis of a giant lipoma. Giant lipomas are rare, particularly in the neck region. Distinguishing lipomas from liposarcomas, which are malignant tumors, is crucial because their management differs significantly. Our case highlights the challenges in diagnosis based on imaging findings and the importance of histopathological assessment. Complete surgical excision was performed successfully, with favorable outcomes and no recurrence observed in follow-up visits. This case emphasizes the significance of thorough evaluation and surgical intervention in managing giant lipomas and contributes to the limited literature on such instances in Ethiopia, reinforcing the need for continued research on the factors influencing lipoma development.