Intrapelvic lipoblastoma with massive spinal canal invasion

Abstract

The lipoblastoma is a rare benign pediatric neoplasm that derives from embryonic white fat cells. However, this tumor with spinal invasion in children is extremely rare. We report a case of a 3-year-old boy who had lipoblastoma with massive invasion into the lower lumbosacral spinal canal. A 3-year-old boy had suffered from progressive urinary incontinence and uncontrolled defecation during past 3 months. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans showed that a large lobulated pelvic cavity mass had invaded the lumbosacral spinal canal. The mass was located over the epidural space from L4 to the lower sacral spinal canal, resulting in the compression of the thecal sac. After total laminectomy from L4 to S3 with flavectomy, a subtotal mass removal for the intraspinal canal mass was done. Histopathologic diagnosis confirmed the lipoblastoma. Lipoblastoma is a rare benign neoplasm and lumbosacral invasion is unique. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. If an incomplete surgical excision is performed, close observation and clinical follow-up must be done because a recurrence is possible.