Hibernomas: a single-institution experience and review of literature

Med Oncol. 2014 Jan;31(1):769. doi: 10.1007/s12032-013-0769-3. Epub 2013 Nov 19.

Abstract

Hibernomas are rare benign soft tissue tumors that are included in the broad spectrum of lipomatous neoplasms. The tumors are derived of brown fat, and the clinical and imaging presentation can mimic other neoplastic conditions. We discuss a 20-year experience at a single academic institution to define the clinical presentation, imaging, and management of these rare neoplasms. A retrospective review of all cases of histologically proven hibernoma over a 20-year period was performed. Clinical presentation, demographics, radiologic reports and images, and pathology reports were all reviewed and collected. We identified 19 cases of hibernoma. The clinical presentation and radiographic characteristics are presented. Our findings also demonstrated that local recurrence of these benign soft tissue tumors was rare, and local recurrence was only documented in one of the 19 cases, which was most likely due to inadequate initial resection rather than true recurrence. Hibernomas are composed of brown fat, in which the imaging can be misleading. Once diagnosed, surgical resection is usually curative.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / pathology
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipoma / diagnosis*
  • Lipoma / pathology*
  • Lipoma / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult