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Gigantic tongue lipoma: a case report
Midion Mapfumo Chidzonga1, Leonard Mahomva, Clemence Marimo
1Department of Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Harare. mmchidzonga@medsch.uz.ac.zw
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal
|August 1, 2006
Summary
This case report details a rare, gigantic lipoma on the tongue tip. Surgical excision successfully restored speech and mastication, highlighting effective treatment for oral lipomas.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Lipomas are common benign tumors, typically composed of mature fat cells.
- Oral cavity lipomas are rare, often presenting as slow-growing, asymptomatic submucosal masses.
- Large oral lipomas can impair function, necessitating prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a gigantic, 3-year-growing lipoma on the tongue tip.
- The massive tumor filled the oral cavity, causing significant speech and mastication difficulties.
- Ulceration of the overlying mucosa complicated the initial clinical presentation.
Findings:
- Incisional biopsy confirmed the mass as a lipoma.
- Histopathologic examination of the excised tumor verified mature fat cell composition.
- Surgical excision was the definitive treatment for this gigantic oral lipoma.
Implications:
- Gigantic oral lipomas, though rare, require surgical intervention for functional restoration.
- Prompt diagnosis and complete excision prevent recurrence and functional deficits.
- This case underscores the importance of considering lipomas in the differential diagnosis of large oral masses.