Lipoblastoma: better termed infantile lipoma?

Abstract

Lipoblastoma is a rare adipose tumor occurring exclusively in childhood. There have been no reports of metastases, making the designation "blastoma" confusing, since this term is usually reserved for malignant tumors. Two recent cases treated at our institution confirm its benign nature. In addition, a review of the literature supports the idea that the tumor may more accurately be described as an "infantile lipoma". Infantile lipoma better reflects many of the tumor's characteristics such as, its early occurrence, it's ability to mature into a simple lipoma, it's cellular composition of mainly mature adipocytes, and its benign course. Although lipoblastoma is an uncommonly encountered tumor, making an effort to change its name to infantile lipoma will result in a more a accurate term that will facilitate treatment.

Mesenteric lipoblastoma: a rare location in children

“…Other proposed descriptors include, but are not limited to, embryonal lipoma, benign adipocytic tumor of childhood, benign lipoblastoma, and infantile lipoma [7]. Although the exact etiology of lipoblastoma is unknown, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies demonstrate similarities to developing yellow fat, suggesting that there may be continued proliferation of immature fat cells and lobules in the postnatal period [1,2].…”

Lipoblastoma arising from the submandibular region

“…Then, an abnormal sensation, dysphasia, trismus, and hoarseness may occur due to compression of the adjacent nerves [7]. Usually it is asymptomatic, but 2 respiratory compromised cases [7,8], 2 Horner's syndrome cases [8,9], and a hemiparesis case [9] have been reported; those resulted from compression of cervical structures. For diagnostic approach, history taking, physical examination, CT, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, and other tests are useful, and we could confirm with excisional biopsy [10].…”

Intrascrotal lipoblastoma: a case report and review of the literature

“…In the literature, lipoblastoma has also been referred to as embryonal lipoma, benign childhood adipocytic tumor, fetal lipoma, and infantile lipoma [6]. In the pediatric population, adipose tumors are relatively rare, representing approximately 6% of all soft tissue neoplasms.…”