Post-traumatic lipoma of the parotid gland: case report F. Dispenza, A. De Stefano, G. Romano, A. Mazzoni

Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 2008: 28(2): 87–88 Lipomas are the most frequently encountered benign tumors. They usually occur in the subcutaneous tissues of the head and neck region. Nevertheless, the incidence of lipoma among parotid tumours ranges from 0.6% to 4.4%, with most series reporting an incidence of 1%. The most common location of such parotid lipomas is in the superficial lobe, while only seldom they occur in the deep lobe. There were reports of only five cases published in the literature. When present, these uncommon tumours are frequently related to a traumatic episode. The diagnosis is facilitated through radiologic evaluation, by means of Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which represent useful diagnostic modalities when the surgical operation is planned. The removal of deep lobe parotid lipomas requires full exposure and isolation of the facial nerve. The authors shared their experience with the management of a lipoma located in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland.

LUIGI CALIFANO