Osteolipoma presenting as a submandibular mass: a rare presentation

Osteolipomas are rare tumors, particularly in the head and neck region, in contrast to lipomas which are the most common benign neoplasms in this location. Osseous changes are benign and mainly occur in long-standing lipomas. Despite its rarity, this neoplasm has a characteristic histopathologic appearance with lamellar bony spicules within the mature adipose tissue. Of the 19 cases previously reported in the oropharyngeal area, only two were located in the submandibular region. We report the third case of submandibular osteolipoma, presenting as an asymptomatic mass in a middle-aged man. Our review of head and neck osteolipomas would be of particular interest to pathologists and head and neck surgeons, in order to avoid inappropriate treatment of an otherwise benign lesion.