Subgaleal lipoma

Case contributed by Mohamed Saber
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Large frontal subgaleal swelling with disfigurement 18 months before.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Male
ct

Midline frontoparietal large subgaleal well defined encapsulated ovoid mass lesion measures 6.5 x 6 x 2.5 cm. The mass elicits homogeneous fat density (about -121 HU). Preserved underlying calvarial bone with no erosive or destructive changes.

mri

The mass elicits homogenous fat signal intensity (high signal in T1 and T2).

Case Discussion

Subgaleal lipomas are benign adipose-containing tumors that occur between the periosteum and the galeal aponeurosis of the scalp. It presents homogeneous fat density in CT with no associated bony erosive changes. It elicits fat signal in MRI. Differential diagnosis: epidermal inclusion cyst and subgaleal hematoma.

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