Large intraoral Lipoma: A case report of rare neoformation of the lower lip

Abstract

Lipoma is a common soft tissue benign neoplasm originating from the mesenchymal cells of connective tissue. It is a painless neoplasm characterized by slow growth. The incidence in the oral cavity is relatively rare (1–4%). A predisposing cause of the onset in the oral cavity is the continuous trauma due to the action of the teeth. Patients can live with an oral lipoma for several years before experiencing symptoms that usually coincide with speech and chewing disorders. We report a case of unusual, intraoral lip lipoma that caused discomfort to the patient. Case Report: A 72 years old man presented a soft mass in the mucous membrane of the lower lip. The patient reported that he noted the lesion for about 5 years but he decided to treat this condition after a long period since he developed discomfort during speaking and chewing. The patient underwent surgical excision of the lesion, which was then sent for histological examination. Results confirmed the initial hypothesis of lipoma. Conclusions: Lipomas of the oral cavity are slow-growing neoformations that patients usually underestimate or tolerate until they feel disturbances, especially in speaking and chewing, or if they create aesthetic problems. Although lipoma represents a benign condition surgical excision should be recommended and histopathological examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.