Intra-oral Lipoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Lipoma, a benign tumour of adipose tissue, is one of the most common benign neoplasms of the body. However, its occurrence in oral cavity is relatively rare. It accounts for 1 to 4% of benign neoplasms of the oral cavity, affecting predominantly buccal mucosa, floor of mouth and tongue. They have been known to grow to sufficiently large sizes causing problems in mastication and speech. The usual lesion consists of a well-circumscribed, lobulated mass of mature fat cells wherein sometimes, the covering mucosa may become ulcerated presenting difficulty in its diagnosis. Herein, we are presenting a case of intra-oral lipoma affecting right anterior buccal mucosa in a 31 year old female patient. Excisional biopsy was performed and histopathological examination revealed proliferation of mature adipocytes arranged in lobules and separated by numerous fibrous septa. After a 3 month follow-up, the patient did not reveal any signs of recurrence. The clinical and histopathological findings are discussed in detail and literature is reviewed.