Benign symmetric lipomatosis in the tongue: an uncommon case

Dermatol Online J. 2020 Jan 15;26(1):13030/qt6pt638vz.

Abstract

Symmetric lipomatosis of the tongue (SLT) is rare and characterized by diffuse growth and unencapsulated lipomas. An 87-year-old man was referred for evaluation of tongue lesions. Intraoral findings showed soft yellowish nodules with a smooth shiny surface diffusely on the lateral border of the tongue, bilaterally. Our clinical diagnosis was multiple tongue lipomas and an incisional biopsy was done. Histopathological examination revealed unencapsulated lobules of mature adipocytes with slight variation in the size and shape, confirming the diagnosis of lipoma. The final diagnosis was SLT. On follow-up at 6 months, the tongue findings were unchanged and no new lesions were observed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Lipomatosis / diagnosis
  • Lipomatosis / pathology*
  • Lipomatosis, Multiple Symmetrical / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Tongue / pathology
  • Tongue Neoplasms / pathology*