Successful Resection of Lipoblastoma With a Microneedle Radiofrequency Device

Abstract

A 5-year-old girl presented with a growing mass on the right sternoclavicular joint, which was noticed at 3 years of age. A physical examination revealed a soft subcutaneous mass measuring approximately 3 cm located over the right sternoclavicular joint and right clavicle. Ultrasonography demonstrated the mass to be highly echogenic and mostly well-defined capsuled, which is usually seen in lipoma. To evaluate tumor extension, MRI was carried out, which revealed that the tumor extended from the subcutaneous tissue to the right axilla through the space between compartments of the greater pectoralis muscle. The tumor showed a high signal intensity and fat suppression on T1- and T2-weighted MR images. On the basis of these findings and her age, lipoblastoma was highly suspected. The well-circumscribed tumor was excised completely under general anesthesia using a microneedle radiofrequency device. This tumor was histopathologically diagnosed as lipoblastoma. Five months after tumor resection, no evidence of recurrence was found. Although the tumor was initially suspected to be localized subcutaneously on physical examination, further investigation revealed its rare location. On the basis of our experience with treating this case, we consider that preoperative imaging and tumor excision with a microneedle radiofrequency device are useful for the successful treatment and prevention of local recurrence of lipoblastoma.