Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to Rare Tongue Lipoma.

Abstract

Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumors composed of mature adipocytes, commonly found in subcutaneous tissues. Despite their prevalence in various body regions, they are relatively rare in the oral and maxillofacial regions. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical and imaging characteristics, as well as the treatment outcomes of 57 patients diagnosed with lipoma. Among these, 42 cases (73.7%) were located in the oral-maxillofacial and head-neck regions, predominantly in areas with relatively abundant adipose tissue, including the facial/cheek area, parotid region, submental/submandibular area, and neck. In addition, this study presents a rare case of tongue lipoma in a 57-year-old male, highlighting the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and treatment approach. The patient presented with a painless mass on the left side of the tongue that had gradually increased in size over 5 months. Physical examination revealed a firm, well-defined, moderately mobile mass measuring ~3.0×1.5 m. Imaging, including enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, suggested a diagnosis of lipoma, leading to surgical excision. The excised mass was yellowish, encapsulated, and soft. Intraoperative frozen section biopsy confirmed it as a fat-derived tumor consistent with a lipoma, and postoperative pathological examination further identified it as a spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma. The patient experienced a smooth recovery without complications, with normal tongue function restored. This case underscores the significance of including lipoma in the differential diagnosis of tongue masses and demonstrates the efficacy of surgical excision in managing such rare tumor.