Huge retropharyngeal lipoma causing obstructive sleep apnea: a case report

Lipoma of the retropharyngeal space is a very rare benign tumor often causing unspecific clinical symptoms. The most common symptoms are dysphagia and/or respiratory disturbances. The clinical diagnosis may be difficult. The radiological imaging techniques (CT and MRI) can provide adequate information with regard to the composition and extension of the tumor, although final histological confirmation is essential. Surgery is the treatment of choice. We present a case of 40-year-old male patient complaining of obstructive sleep apnea symptoms (respiratory disturbances, excessive daytime somnolence, morning headache). The radiological examination (CT) showed a huge (11.7 × 7.2 cm) lipoma of the retropharyngeal space extending from the nasopharynx to the superior mediastinum. The tumor was removed via transcervical approach with complete amelioration of symptoms.