Giant intramuscular sternocleidomastoid lipoma

Abstract

Intramuscular lipoma is rare benign tumour rarely located in the head and neck region. It arises between the muscle fibres and passes through the intermuscular septa. Due to the infiltrative nature of the tumour, recurrence rate is higher than in other subcutaneous lipomas. Complete surgical excision of lipoma is often regarded as a definitive treatment modality and longterm follow-up is mandatory. Here we report a case of a 49-year-old male presenting with huge left neck mass measuring 12 × 10 cm, which was successfully removed. Computed tomography scan of the neck showed a well-defined septated lesion with a fat component in the right sternocleidomastoid muscle, and the histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of well-circumscribed intramuscular sternocleidomastoid lipoma. Follow-up after one year showed no evidence of recurrence.