Lipoma in the Palate: A Rare Presentation

Abstract

Lipoma is the benign tumor of adipose tissue. It constitutes about 1 to 2% of all benign neoplasms of the oral cavity. Intraorally, it occurs predominantly in the buccal mucosa followed by tongue, floor of the mouth, buccal vestibule and rarely in the palate and gingiva. A 72-year-old lady reported with a swelling in the hard plate for the past three years. Clinically the swelling was pale pink in color and had a broad peduncle. The swelling was soft to fine in consistency and mobile. A provisional diagnosis of a benign minor salivary gland neoplasm was made. The tumor was excised and histopathological examination showed it to be a fibrolipoma. Lipoma occurring in the palate is rare with only six cases reported in the literature so far. This case of oral lipoma occurring in the hard plate is reported for its rarity and can be considered as a rare possibility in the differential diagnosis of various swellings of the palate