A case of retropharyngeal Lipoma

Lipomas are one of the most common benign mesenchymal tumors in the body. Usually asymptomatic, they rarely warrant treatment unless they attain enormous size causing cosmetic deformity or pressure effects. Head and neck region is an uncommon site, retropharyngeal space being one of the rarest. Lipomas in this region can produce pressure symptoms demanding surgical excision. This is a case report of retropharyngeal lipoma, extending from skull base to the clavicle. Though tumor was present for 20 yrs it exhibited rapid growth over a period of 2-3 yrs causing respiratory obstruction, dysphagia & dysphonia. Clinically the entire laryngopharynx, trachea and carotid sheath were pushed anteriorly. On imaging, it showed classical features of a lipomatous mass. Patient underwent complete excision which presented a surgical challenge to surgeon and the anaesthetist from intubation to extubation.