Intraoral Lipoma

Abstract

Lipomas, benign tumours of mature fat cells, typically appear in the head-and-neck region, with rare occurrences in the mouth. This case involves an unusually large intraoral lipoma exceeding 1.8 cm. Lipomas, usually painless, may go unnoticed for an extended period. Recognition of atypical presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management. A surgical procedure under local anaesthesia removed a 1.8 cm × 1.7 cm × 1.3 cm gingival growth. Using a 15 No, an incision was made on the BP blade to preserve the attached gingiva. Coe-Pak dressing safeguarded the treated area, ensuring optimal recovery. The soft-tissue section’s histopathological examination revealed an encapsulated lesion with mature adipocytes arranged in lobules, separated by fibrous connective tissue. Adipocytes displayed polygonal shapes with clear cytoplasm, eccentrically placed nuclei and compressed membranes. Deeper observations included dilated blood capillaries, extravasated red blood cells, muscle fibres and minimal inflammatory cells. Lobules of mucous salivary acini were also identified as intraoral lipomas, rare but detected during dental check-ups. They usually lack pain, which causes delayed treatment. Patients focus on aesthetics or mild discomfort. Clinicians must use modern diagnostics to identify and conservatively manage intraoral lipomas. Ongoing trials explore non-surgical treatments, potentially shaping future standards of care.

Keywords

• benign tumours
• intraoral
• lipoma