Large nonpainful swelling of the lower lip

The lipomas are slow-growing benign neoplasms. They are characterized by a smooth-surfaced, sessile or pedunculated, yellow-to-pink submucosal mass that is usually asymptomatic. Superficially situated lesions show a telangiectatic vascular network. Deeper lesions may only be noticed as a subtle swelling, making them difficult to detect and treat. Despite its relative infrequency in the mouth, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of lipoma when diagnosing nonulcerated, soft-tissue masses of the mouth. Proper treatment consists of surgical excision, histologic examination, and patient follow-up.