Infiltrating lipoma of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Infiltrating lipomata are unusual benign tumors that have been rarely associated with the head and neck areas. We present the only known documented case of an infiltrating lipoma of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The literature is reviewed and the characteristics of these lesions are discussed. The head and neck surgeon should include these interesting tumors in the differential diagnosis of head and neck masses and be aware that, because of a known propensity for recurrence, total surgical excision is the treatment of choice.