Lipoma of the Parotid Gland: A Case Report and Review of Clinical Presentation, Method of Investigation and Management

Abstract

Lipomas are common mesenchymal tumours; however, their occurrence in the head and neck region is relatively rare and account for only 15% 25% of all lipomas. Lipomas of the parotid region are even more uncommon, representing only about 1.0% -1.3% of all parotid tumours, and are often not included in the initial differential diagnosis of benign parotid tumours. Usually, a soft, non-tender, well-circumscribed tumour of the parotid gland in an elderly man is considered a Warthin’s tumour unless proven otherwise by histopathological examination. A rare case of a large lipoma of the parotid gland, which had been present for 15 years, is reported in a 63-year old male patient. The literature on clinical presentation, method of investigations and management of parotid lipoma is briefly reviewed.