Lipomas of the head-neck: a systematic review of literature over the last 10 years
Authors
Andrea Pacifici, Giulia Caporro, Luciano Pacifici
Abstract
Aim: A lipoma is the most common benign mesenchymal tumor of soft tissues; however, only 13% of lipoma cases are found in the head and neck region. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature is to analyze case reports to identify an appropriate diagnostic pathway for the detection of head and neck lipomas. Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search was conducted of the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. 64 studies were included in the final quantitative analysis. Results: The analysis of the selected studies allowed for the identification of a correct diagnostic pathway to achieve an accurate lipoma diagnosis. Conclusions: It is appropriate to improve and consolidate knowledge about preliminary instrumental investigations which, along with histopathological examination, play crucial roles in defining a correct diagnosis of lipoma.
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