Lipoma on the jugal mucosa: Case report

Abstract

Lipoma is classified as a neoplasm of mesenchymal origin and is considered one of the most common soft tissue tumors. It is relatively rare in the maxillofacial region, with between 1% and 4% of tumors affecting this area. The most common sites of intraoral lipoma are the jugal mucosa, lips, tongue and lingual floor. The relevance of this case is due to the location of the lesion on the jugal mucosa and its proximity to important vessels such as the facial artery. The aim of this report is to describe the treatment and management of a lipoma in the oral cavity. A 50-year-old female patient was referred to the UFBA/OSID Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology outpatient clinic complaining of "having a lipoma removed from her face". On clinical examination, she presented with good mouth opening and an asymptomatic, hardened increase in volume on palpation of the jugal mucosa on the right side. Imaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) showed an increase in volume in the region of the right jugal mucosa. During trans-surgery, a lesion measuring approximately 04cm in length was noticed, with a yellowish appearance, encapsulated and with a lower density when compared to 10% formalin. An excisional biopsy was carried out and the patient was referred for pathology examination, which was conclusive for lipoma. The patient is being followed up post-operatively and is progressing well, with no signs of recurrence. Lipoma is treated with surgical excision and complete removal of the lesion. It is therefore essential to correlate the diagnosis with the patient's clinical signs and the anatomopathological examination in order to make the correct diagnosis.