A Case Report and Discussion of Hibernomas: Pathology, Genetics, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A hibernoma is a rare benign tumor found in brown fat, compared to white fat, where most tumors arise. Hibernomas can usually be surgically removed without complication. Some genetic markers may exist for development of hibernomas, particularly genetic deformities occurring in genes situated on chromosome 11. In addition, different types of hibernomas tend to present based on the area of the body in which they form. Hibernomas are often undiagnosed unless they pose a particular problem to the patient, i.e. pain or pressure. Hibernomas can be surgically removed in order to relieve these symptoms, as seen in the case study for this report.