Case report: Rare case of recurring cervical sialolipoma

Abstract

Introduction and importance

Sialolipomas are benign and slow-growing lesions arising from minor and major salivary glands. They constitute a rare subtype of lipomas, with a low rate of recurrence. This article describes the case of a patient presenting with recurring sialolipoma.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old patient presented with a voluminous lipomatous lesion on the right cervical side. The histopathological analysis after the surgical removal of the lesion revealed sialolipoma, a recurring of a similar lesion treated ten years ago.

Clinical discussion

Sialolipomas are relatively rare lesions occurring mainly in adults. Their structure is composed of salivary glands' elements and adipocytes. Many histological forms exist and have been described, like oncocytic lipoadenomas or pleomorphic adenomas for example. Sialolipomas are usually asymptomatic, and the patients experience no pain. The etiology of sialolipomas would be due to salivary glands dysfunctions, resulting in altered gland configuration. The treatment of choice for this type of lesion is complete excision by surgery. It was the curative approach used here.

Conclusion

A patient presented with a big mass on the right cervical side, which turned out to be sialolipoma, a benign lesion. It was the recurring of a similar tumor treated ten years ago. The lesion has been treated by surgery.