Hibernoma. Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND

Hibernoma is a rare type of benign tumor that originates in brown fat. It has been rarely described in dermatologic literature.

OBJECTIVE

To report and discuss the clinical and histologic features of a patient with hibernoma and review the relevant literature.

PATIENT

A large palpable hibernoma located in the interscapular area of a 41-year-old female was identified by physical examination. The tumor was a brown soft mass measuring 7.0 x 6.0 x 3.0 cm that involved subcutaneous tissue and was embedded in the trapzius muscle. It was a well encapsulated and highly vascular tumor. Histologic examination revealed characteristic multivacuolated oval and polygonal cells with eosinophilic, granular cytoplasm.

CONCLUSION

A hibernoma can be diagnosed on the basis of gross physical characteristics and microscopic findings. This is a benign tumor with no malignant potential. Excisional biopsy is indicated to differentiate hibernoma from well-differentiated liposarcoma. Complete excision is the treatment of choice.