Encapsulated Enigma: Surgical Resolution of a Lingual Lipoma Affecting Oral Functions

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Lingual lipomas are rare benign tumors, comprising less than 0.5% of all tongue neoplasms.
• Their limited adipose tissue in the tongue region contributes to their rarity.
• Often asymptomatic and slow-growing, lingual lipomas can lead to delayed diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of a lingual lipoma.
• To emphasize the differential diagnosis of tongue masses.
• To suggest clinical assessment's sufficiency in select cases for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a 50-year-old male patient with a 4-year history of a progressively enlarging tongue mass.
• Clinical examination of a 3x3 cm sessile, yellowish, submucosal lesion on the ventral tongue.
• Surgical excision under local anesthesia and subsequent histopathological analysis.

Main Results:

• Histopathological analysis confirmed a conventional lipoma composed of mature adipocytes without atypia.
• The patient experienced an uneventful recovery with full oral function restoration within 2 months post-surgery.
• The benign nature of the lesion obviated the need for preoperative imaging.

Conclusions:

• Lingual lipomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tongue masses.
• Clinical assessment alone may be adequate for diagnosing and planning treatment for lingual lipomas in specific instances.
• Early detection and appropriate management ensure favorable patient outcomes.