Lipoma - subdeltoid

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Right shoulder lump.

Patient Data

Age: Adult
x-ray

Xrays of the shoulder demonstrate a low attenuation (lower than muscle, similar to fat) deep to the deltoid muscle. At the superior margin of the lesion is an area of dystrophic calcification. No bony erosion. 

mri

MRI of the shoulder (selected images only) confirms the mass to be predominantly of tissue returning fat-signal with suppression on STIR. Only thin whispy vascular enhancement is seen. No solid enhancing/non-fatty component. 

Case Discussion

These features are characteristic of a lipoma or less likely low-grade liposarcoma located deep to the deltoid muscle. 

Follow-up over a number of years demonstrated no growth or local symptoms, making the diagnosis of a lipoma. 

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