# Giant Lipoma of the Bauhin’s Valve

## TL;DR

A 46-year-old patient had a large benign lipoma at the ileocecal valve, which was successfully treated with surgery after being initially suspected as a malignant tumor.

## Contribution

This case highlights the importance of considering large lipomas in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding and intestinal obstruction.

## Key findings

- A 16/11/12 cm lipoma was found at the ileocecal valve after initial suspicion of a malignant tumor.
- The patient recovered well after an extended right hemicolectomy.
- Large lipomas should be considered in cases of digestive hemorrhage or obstruction.

## Abstract

Lipomas are benign tumors that can affect the digestive tract, everywhere from the hypopharynx to the rectum. Lipomas affecting the large intestine are the second most common benign tumor, after colon adenoma. We present the case of a 46-year-old patient who was initially hospitalized in the Gastroenterology Clinic with a diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding. The colonoscopy raised the suspicion of a malignant tumor of the transverse colon, but the computed tomography scan showed the existence of a lipoma that measured 16/11/12 cm that occupied the ascending and transverse colon, though the CT examination could not determinate the origin of the lipoma. After restoring the hydro-electrolytic and fluid balance of the patient, surgery was performed and a huge lipoma of the ileocecal valve was discovered. Extended right hemicolectomy was performed, with good subsequent postoperative recovery of the patient, who was discharged on the fifth day after the surgery. The peculiarity of this case is the huge size of the benign tumor. Lipomas with digestive system localization, although rare, must be considered in patients arriving at the Emergency Department with digestive hemorrhages, intussusception and even intestinal obstruction.