Giant subcutaneous lipoma in the lumbosacral region of a dog: Case report

Abstract

Lipoma is considered a benign common mesenchymal neoplasm originating from adipocytes or subcutaneous and occasionally dermal fat cells. They can be characterized as single or multiple masses of slow growth, being, in this situation, the choice of surgical treatment by means of tumor excision as a viable alternative without the necessity of association with a chemotherapeutic treatment. The purpose of this study was to report the case of a giant subcutaneous lipoma in the lumbosacral region. A bitch, with no defined breed, weighing 16.70 kg and 8 years and 1 month old, was seen at the Metropolitan Veterinary Polyclinic. During the anamnesis, an increase in volume was reported covering the lumbosacral region of the animal, which appeared insidiously and developed slowly over the months. In the clinical examination, we observed normocorate mucosa, normal lymph nodes, temperature of 39.2°C, presence of a mass of large size, dense and soft and rounded surface in the lumbosacral region. The hemogram and serum biochemistry results showed no relevant changes to the case, only mild anemia. The surgical procedure consisted of performing an elliptical incision around the mass followed by blunt divulsion with laparotomy towels until the entire tumor mass was released. The fibrous bundle or pedicle supporting the tumor was ligated and sectioned. The removed mass had a globular, massive, pendular aspect measuring about 16 cm on its long axis and weighing about 1.5 kg. At cut, the mass was encapsulated, firm and with yellowish color, mimicking greasy tissue. A small sample was collected for histopathological examination. The result revealed fatty cells, inflammatory aggregates, and dermal cells. The surgical procedure through mass excision proved to be a satisfactory alternative for the single and definitive treatment of this type of tumor.