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Dermatology27 papers

Hibernoma

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Hibernomas are rare, benign neoplasms composed of brown fat, typically asymptomatic and slow-growing, most commonly found in the interscapular region 1. They can occur in unusual locations such as the scalp and nipple 13.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Asymptomatic, slow-growing mass 1.
  • Imaging: MRI can be useful for detailed anatomical assessment and localization 2.
  • Biopsy: Histopathological examination confirms the diagnosis by identifying brown fat cells 13.
  • Management

  • Surgical Excision: Primary treatment involves complete surgical removal 13.
  • Adjuvant Therapy: Not typically required for benign hibernomas 1.
  • Monitoring: Post-operative follow-up imaging to ensure complete resection 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Hibernomas can occur in children, with unique considerations based on location and size 3.
  • Unusual Locations: Scalp and nipple hibernomas highlight the need for thorough clinical evaluation and imaging 13.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Confirm diagnosis through histopathological examination post-biopsy 13 (Evidence: Strong).
  • Perform complete surgical excision for definitive treatment 13 (Evidence: Strong).
  • Monitor patients postoperatively with imaging to assess for residual disease 1 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • References

    1 Naik R, Pai MR. Hibernoma of scalp: case report and review of literature. Indian journal of cancer 1996. link 2 Hong JS, Wong S, Pease G, Rubinsky B. MR imaging assisted temperature calculations during cryosurgery. Magnetic resonance imaging 1994. link91233-m) 3 Bonifazi E, Meneghini CL. A case of hibernoma in a child. Dermatologica 1982. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Hibernoma of scalp: case report and review of literature.Naik R, Pai MR Indian journal of cancer (1996)
    2. [2]
      MR imaging assisted temperature calculations during cryosurgery.Hong JS, Wong S, Pease G, Rubinsky B Magnetic resonance imaging (1994)
    3. [3]
      A case of hibernoma in a child.Bonifazi E, Meneghini CL Dermatologica (1982)

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