Atypical lipoma of the tongue

We report an atypical lipoma arising in the tongue of a 43-year-old man who presented with an indolent dorsal lingual swelling. Atypical lipomas conta in multivacoulated lipoblasts, which distinguishes them from benign lipomas . The superficial location in this case distinguishes this tumour from well -differentiated liposarcoma, which is biologically similar in lacking the p ropensity for metastasis. The superficial location of atypical lipoma allow s a complete resection, which is often not possible for the deep-seated cou nterpart. Atypical lipoma and well-differentiated liposarcoma, if left in s itu, may undergo transition to de-differentiated liposarcoma. Atypical lipo ma should be completely excised with a cuff of normal tissue in order to pr event repeated local recurrence and the possibility of de-differentiation.