Pleomorphic lipoma of the gingiva

Abstract

A case of pleomorphic lipoma, presenting as a swelling on gingiva involving hard palate in a 58-year-old man is reported. Microscopic examination showed that this tumor was composed of mature adipose tissue and pleomorphic multinucleated giant cells. There is only 1 previously presented case of a pleomorphic lipoma located within the oral cavity. Because of its microscopic feature, this tumor may be mistaken for a liposarcoma. The important characteristics serving to distinguish a pleomorphic lipoma from a liposarcoma are the absence of atypical lipoblastic proliferation, mitotic activity, and infiltrating growth patterns.