Hibernoma mimicking a lipoma: A case report of a rare benign tumor

Abstract

Hibernomas are rare, benign soft tissue tumors developed from fetal brown fat [1]. They account for around 1.6% of benign lipomatous tumors and present as progressive, slow-growing, painless subcutaneous masses [2]. Hibernomas resemble lipomas in their clinical behavior, but their unique imaging and histopathologic features may aid in differentiating them from each other [1]. We report a case of a 19-year-old Emirati woman who presented with painful lower back swelling for one year. The lesion was excised, and the histopathology revealed a diagnosis of hibernoma. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on the second postoperative day. The management approach of hibernomas varies as per the symptoms, our patient was managed with surgical intervention whereas asymptomatic patients can be observed. Surgical resection is the definitive treatment. No local recurrence has been reported.