Lipoblastoma: better termed infantile lipoma?

Lipoblastoma is a rare adipose tumor occurring exclusively in childhood. Th en have been no reports of metastases, making the designation "blastoma" co nfusing, since this term is usually reserved for malignant tumors. Two rece nt cases treated at our institution confirm its benign nature. In addition, a review of the literature supports the idea that the tumor may more accur ately be described as an "infantile lipoma". Infantile lipoma better reflec ts many of the tumor's characteristics such as, its early occurrence, it's ability to mature into a simple lipoma, it's cellular composition of mainly mature adipocytes, and its benign course. Although lipoblastoma is an unco mmonly encountered tumor, making an effort to change its name to infantile lipoma will result in a more a accurate term that will facilitate treatment .