Large oral lipoma: Case report and literature review in Iran

Abstract

Lipoma is a benign mesenchymal tumor of fat with uncertain pathogenesis. Although the most common
mesenchymal neoplasm in trunk and proximal portions of the extremities, it is rarely seen in the oral
cavity. Oral lipomas are clinically soft, smooth-surfaced nodular masses that mostly are less than 3 cm
in size. Typically the tumor is asymptomatic unless bitten or become noticeable because of their size.
The buccal mucosa and buccal vestibule are the most common intraoral sites and account for 50% of
all cases. Reported here is a relatively large lipoma of buccal mucosa that was treated surgically under
local anesthesia. In an 18-month postsurgical follow up no complication or recurrence has occurred. This
case will also be compared to intraoral lipomas reported in Iranian population. As lipomas are usually
smaller than 3 cm in diameter, lipoma with the size reported, is of clinical importance. Since the large
lipomas are in differential diagnosis with other, even malignant, mesenchymal, or salivary gland tumors.
Thus, this case report recommends clinical awareness in diagnosis of large intraoral soft tissue lesions.
Key Words: Buccal mucosa, fatty tumor, lipoma, mouth mucosa