Journal of Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging

Table of Contents - 2006 - Volume 6, Issue 01  


Case Study

Intramuscular spindle cell lipoma of the sternomastoid muscle – imaging and pathological appearances

M. D.  Williams a1, D. C.  Howlett a2c1, N.  Violaris a3 and K.  Ramesar a4
a1 Department of Maxillofacial Surgery;
a2 Department of Clinical Imaging;
a3 ENT Department;
a4 Department of Histopathology, Eastbourne District General Hospital, UK

Article author query
williams m. d.   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
howlett d. c.   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
violaris n.   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
ramesar k.   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 

Abstract

Spindle cell lipoma (SCL) is a rare neoplasm occurring predominantly in male patients between the ages of 45 and 70 years. We present a case of SCL arising in the sternomastoid muscle of a 46 year old male patient, which was completely excised at surgery. (Only 4 cases of SCL have been described within skeletal muscle and SCL has not previously been reported within sternomastoid.) The histological and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of this lesion are described and the differential diagnosis is discussed, with particular reference to its potential confusion with liposarcoma.

(Published Online May 18 2006)


Key Words: Spindle cell Lipoma; intramuscular; magnetic resonance imaging.

Correspondence:
c1 Correspondence to: Dr D. C. Howlett, Department of Radiology, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2UD. Tel: 0044 (0) 1323 417400; Fax: 0044 (0) 1323 414933; E-mail: David.Howlett@ESHT.NHS.UK