Abstract
We describe a rare case of sialolipoma of the palate. A 75-year-old Japanese man was referred because of a palatal mass, which measured 1.2×1.2 cm and was soft and painless. The mass had first been noticed 3 years previously and thereafter had slowly increased in size. It was removed for a clinical diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. The entire surgical specimen was processed for microscopic examination. Histologically, the tumor was well demarcated. It showed an admixture of adipose cells and glandular components and was traversed by delicate fibrous septa. The glandular component consisted of elongated tubules and some acinar cells. No cartilage or bone was observed. The tumor was diagnosed to be a sialolipoma. Sialolipomas are newly categorized uncommon tumors of the salivary gland, comprising an intimate admixture of mature fat cells and glandular elements. The tumor is well-circumscribed. Although few cases have been reported, sialolipoma tends to occur in the major salivary glands. Only a few palatal cases of sialolipoma have been reported. The patient is presently doing well 21 months after undergoing the operation.
