Giant axillary lipoblastoma in an African child: a case report

Background: Lipoblastoma is a rare benign neoplasm of the adipose tissue occurring most commonly in infants and young children. This tumor can present as a localized, well-circumscribed lesion (lipoblastoma) or as a multi-centric lesion (lipoblastomatosis). Case presentation: This is a case report of lipoblastoma in a 19-month-old male with 9 months history of rapidly progressing axillary mass. Examination revealed a well-circumscribed right axillary mass measuring 25 cm × 20 cm with normal overlying skin and prominent, visibly distended superficial veins. He had surgical excision of the mass. Histologic examination revealed lipoblastoma. There has been no recurrence in the last 21 months of follow-up. Conclusion: The report is presented for its rarity and also for its potential to pose diagnostic difficulty to surgeons. Surgical excision offers the best chance of cure. Long-term follow-up is also important to detect recurrence.