Unexpected giant lipoma in the buccal mucosa: Case insights

Lipoma, the most common benign soft-tissue tumor, rarely develops in the oral cavity. While typically asymptomatic, large lipomas may cause significant aesthetic and functional disturbances. A 50-year-old male presented with a painless oral cavity mass that enlarged progressively over a year and caused difficulty in mastication, swallowing, and speech. Clinical examination revealed a well-defined, pedunculated mass in the right posterior buccal mucosa. Fine-needle aspiration cytology showed that this mass was a lipoma. A surgical excision was then performed. Subsequently, histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma. During the six-month follow-up period, no recurrence was observed. This case underscores the importance of vigilance in diagnosing and managing oral lipomas through thorough clinical, radiological, and pathological evaluation. A multidisciplinary approach ensures optimal patient care and outcomes, with surgical excision offering excellent prognosis and improved quality of life.