An extremely rare pedunculated lipoma of the hypopharynx: A case report

BACKGROUND: Hypopharyngeal lipoma is a rare disease that can lead to asphyxiation after aspiration. Sclerotic lipoma in the hypopharynx is an extremely rare histological type. Hypopharyngeal lipoma should be resected in time after diagnosis. CASE SUMMARY: An 86-year-old female patient presented to our department with a long pedunculated mass protruding from her mouth. Until this time, the patient had no dyspnea, dysphagia, or throat discomfort. Physical examination showed stable vital signs and clear consciousness. The pedicel was derived from the posterior wall of the hypopharynx. The tumor was smooth, hyperemic and dark red, about 10 cm long, and 4 cm wide. In order to prevent airway obstruction, the hypopharyngeal tumor was excised in emergent operation. The pharyngeal cavity was exposed by a mouth gag during the operation. A disposable plasma knife was used to completely remove the tumor along the base of the new organism, and no active bleeding occurred. The postoperative pathological results were sclerotic lipoma. CONCLUSION: Lipoma in the pharynx is relatively rare. Patients with this condition must be referred immediately to Ear-Nose-Throat specialists and complete surgical excision should be performed as soon as possible to prevent serious complications, such as airway obstruction and death.