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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Chen
D Y
DY
Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Wang
C M
CM
Chan
H L
HL
D000328:Adult; D001415:Back; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008067:Lipoma / Q000473:pathology; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology