Subcutaneous ossifying lipoma: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Lipomas can undergo a variety of changes, one of which is ossification. Ossifying lipoma (OL), independent of bone tissue, is rare. No case has been reported with this heading in the dermatopathological literature. A 73-year-old woman was referred for a subcutaneous mass on the left scapular region that had been present for more than 22 years. The lesion was an OL measuring 8 cm and weighing 75 g. Only 25 cases of OL have been described in soft tissues. Including the present report, locations in order of frequency are the head and neck area (11 cases), the limbs (9 cases) and the trunk (6 cases). Average patient age is 50.9 years (range, 17-81 years). History is measured in years (mean, more than 6 years). Average tumor size is 7.1 cm (range, 0.8-20 cm). The adipose component is usually predominant and the mature bone tissue is irregular in distribution. Bone spicules are surrounded by fibrous tissue bands. Chondrous structures are found in 46.2% of tumors. No recurrences have been reported. OL is rare but has a characteristic gross, radiological and histological appearance. It has the same prognosis as simple lipoma. Excision is the treatment to be chosen.