Cervical hibernoma demonstrating uptake on Tc-99m lymphoscintigraphy.
A hibernoma is an uncommon, benign tumor composed of brown adipose tissue. It is a rare but documented cause of neck masses. Hibernomas may be first diagnosed not by clinical examination, but incidentally through radiologic tests assessing the metabolic activity of certain tissues. These tumors are by definition benign entities but, given their propensity for growth over time, they require complete extirpation to prevent recurrence. Different radiologic modalities have been used to evaluate hibernomas, including computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography, and angiography. It is rare for a hibernoma to be discovered through Tc-99m lymphoscintigraphy.
Giblin
Erica
E
Department of Surgical Education, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA 01107, USA. gibline@hotmail.com
Lynn
David
D
Mortman
Keith
K
D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008067:Lipoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013671:Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid