Neck lipoma

Case contributed by Doaa Khedr Mohamed Khedr
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Slowly growing non-painful left lateral neck swelling.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male
mri
This study is a stack
Axial
T2
This study is a stack
Axial T2
fat sat
This study is a stack
Coronal
T2
This study is a stack
Axial
T1
This study is a stack
Axial
T1 C+
This study is a stack
Coronal T1
C+ fat sat
This study is a stack
Sagittal T1
C+ fat sat
This study is a stack
Axial T1
C+ fat sat
This study is a stack
Axial DWI
b1000
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Info

A well-encapsulated soft tissue mass is seen at the left lateral neck region superficial to the parotid tail, measuring 2.9 x 1.7 x 3 cm (Ap X Tr and CC respectively). It elicits high signals on both T1 and T2 images with suppression on fat suppression sequences. It shows a thin peripheral enhancement. No definite deeper or intramuscular extension.

Left cerebellar developmental venous anomaly is noted (incidental finding).

Case Discussion

The MRI findings are highly suggestive of left neck lipoma.

MRI is an excellent technique for assessing soft tissue lipomas. Classically, they display high signals on both T1 and T2 images with saturation on fat-saturated sequences (STIR, SPAIR and T1 fat suppression). It is also valuable to exclude low-grade liposarcoma which has thick enhancing septae and heterogeneous signal.

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