Subgaleal lipomas. Ultrasound findings

Lipomas are frequent benign soft tissue tumors. They are classified as superficial or deep. In the head, they are localized under the galea or epicraneal aponeurosis. Clinically they present as non symptomatic smooth tumors.

To describe ultrasound (US) findings of subgaleal lipomas.

Retrospective review of seven patients aged between 31 and 52 years (five males) with subgaleal lipomas.

AH lipomas were localized in the forehead. At US, they appeared as solid masses; 43% were isoechoic and 47% hyperechoic compared to subcutaneous tissue. The average size was 13 mm. They had a semi spherical shape, with a flat base and a convex surface, a regular margin, no vascular vessels at Doppler ultrasound and were surrounded by the galea.

In this series of patients, all masses had a similar US appearance that suggested the diagnosis of lipoma.