Intramuscular lipoma: a review of the literature

Abstract

Lipomas are the most common type of soft tissue mesenchymal tumors. They are typically located subcutaneously and consist of mature fatty tissue. When they occur under the enclosing fascia, they are called deep-seated lipomas. Infrequently, lipomas can arise inside the muscle and are called intramuscular lipomas. Intramuscular lipomas have been commonly investigated and categorized in the same group as other deep-seated and superficial lipomatous lesions. Their clinical, histological and imaging characteristics may resemble well-differentiated liposarcomas, further adding to the difficulties in the differential diagnosis. This article summarizes the available literature and describes the typical epidemiological, pathological and clinical features of intramuscular lipomas, as well as delineating their treatment and prognosis.

Anatomical Distribution of Intramuscular Lipomas

“…Local recurrence may be evident if the surgical margin is not clear. They can occur in almost any anatomical site [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15].…”

“…Local recurrence may be evident if the surgical margin is not clear. They can occur in almost any anatomical site [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15].Intramuscular lipomas of the head may involve the tongue, which is one of the most commonly involved sites [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] The chest wall [44,45] and the intercostal muscles [46] may also be involved. It may appear as a breast mass involving the pectoralis major [47][48][49] and may also involve the heart; involvement of the left ventricular myocardium, extending to the epicardial space; has also been reported [50].…”

A Case of Cervical Lipoma-related Radiculopathy

“…Lipomas are mesenchymal neoplasms with benign nature originating from mature fat cells. They are rare in cervical region and may cause cosmetic issues if localized superficially, while There are various subtypes of lipoma such as simple lipoma, fibrolipoma, atypical lipoma, myxoid lipoma, infiltrating lipoma, angiolipoma and myelolipoma (2). Those with Intermuscular and intramuscular localizations are also known as infiltrating lipomas.…”

“…Although its etiology is not well known, however there are a number of suspicious factors. The main ones are trauma, chronic irritation, obesity, genetic and endocrine issues (2). Patients often complain about cosmetic issues or symptoms arising from pressure on adjacent anatomic structures.…”

“…However, it is difficult to detect deep-seated lesions. Despite that the vascularization is not the anticipated finding; some cases may display minimal vascularization (2). Attenuation in computed tomography (CT) similar to fat tissue and negative hounsfield unit value are helpful in diagnosis.…”