Cervical Paravertebral Osteolipoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Osteolipoma is an unusual form of lipoma containing a well-differentiated metaplastic bone. Ossifying lipomas share clinical and radiological characteristics with other benign and malignant tumors; therefore, distinguishing osteolipomas from malignant ones is challenging, especially when using imaging methods. Accordingly, the diagnosing process requires adequate histological characterization to ensure distinguishing it from other neoplasms with a less favorable prognosis, and the surgical excision is considered the most effective treatment. The case we presented was a 61-year-old female, who presented with neck pain without any neurological signs and symptoms. Imaging studies showed a cervical paravertebral ossified lesion treated by total surgical excision and histopathology examination showed osteolipoma. Furthermore, we conducted a literature review that included six cases of cervical osteolipoma. Osteolipomas have a favorable prognosis like conventional lipomas; thus, surgeons should be aware to distinguish ossifying lipomas, which needs a complete surgical resection as the treatment of choice, from malignant lesions included in the differential diagnosis. However, postoperative follow-up is recommended because of relevant clinical information about these tumors.