Benign mesenteric lipomatous tumor in a child: a case report and literature review

Background Lipomatous tumors are the most common type of soft-tissue tumors. Benign lipomatous tumors are lipomas and lipoblastoma. We herein report a case of benign mesenteric lipomatous tumor and the largest collection of known benign mesenteric lipomatous tumors in children in the literature. Case presentation A 3-year-old girl presented with repeated dull abdominal pain and left abdominal mass swelling. On a physical examination, the child had a soft, moderately distended left abdomen that was not tender when palpated. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large fatty mass within the mesentery, measuring approximately 8 × 6 cm. The mass extended from the right upper quadrant to the lower pole of the kidneys. Laparotomy with resection of the mesenteric tumor was performed under general anesthesia. A well-capsuled tumor was a soft, yellow mass and found loosely attached to the mesenterium of the ileum. A histopathological examination demonstrated the lobular proliferation of mature adipocytes. Atypical lipoblasts were not seen. These features are compatible with benign lipomatous tumor, such as lipoma or lipoblastoma with maturation. Conclusion In conclusion, benign mesenteric lipomatous tumors tend to be large in size over 10 cm in longitudinal length. However, resection is well tolerated in the vast majority of cases with benign post-operative courses.