Presentation
Dyspepsia with a pancreatic head mass seen on ultrasound (not shown). CT examination performed to further characterize the mass.
Patient Data
A small, well-circumscribed, non-enhancing, homogeneous mass of fat attenuation in the head of the pancreas, in keeping with pancreatic lipoma.
A small, well-circumscribed, non-enhancing, homogeneous mass of fat attenuation in the head of the pancreas, in keeping with pancreatic lipoma (yellow arrow).
Red arrow: normal pancreatic tissue.
Case Discussion
Pancreatic lipomas are rare benign mesenchymal neoplasms that exhibit stable size and morphology. These are typically asymptomatic and detected on radiological exams undertaken for some other health condition. Generally, no treatment is required unless mass effect causes symptoms. Short-term interval observation is prudent to prove stability and help differentiate from early liposarcoma. Extensive follow-up is not likely necessary for this benign lesion.