Since lipomas are common soft-tissue neoplasms in other regions of the body, they are found only rarely in the parotid gland and are, therefore, often not considered in the initial differential diagnosis of parotid gland tumours. Even rarer are lipomas arising in the deep lobe of the parotid gland with only 6 cases presented in the literature. Lipomas originating in the parapharyngeal space are also extremely rare. When there is any suspicion, computed tomography and especially magnetic resonance imaging are of high diagnostic value. Fine-needle aspiration cytology seems not to contribute much to an accurate diagnosis. None of these preoperative examinations allows an absolute reliable distinction between a lipoma and a liposarcoma. The preferred treatment is complete surgical excision which will minimize the possibility of a recurrence and will also lead to a definitive diagnosis. We report 3 patients with a lipoma of the deep lobe of the parotid gland, extending into the parapharyngeal space, and discuss differential diagnosis and radiological features of lipomas in this rare location.

Keywords:
Parotid gland, lipoma, Lipoma, parotid gland, Parapharyngeal space
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel
2006
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.