Laryngeal Lipoma a rare entity in daily medical practice

Review Article

Abstract

Laryngeal tumors are predominantly malignant, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common type. Among benign tumors, laryngeal lipoma is extremely rare, representing less than 1% of benign cases in this region. Lipomas are composed of mature adipose tissue and tend to be asymptomatic and slow-growing. However, when located in the larynx, they may cause symptoms such as hoarseness, respiratory difficulty, and dysphagia due to compression of adjacent structures. Its diagnosis is challenging and is often mistaken for other benign masses, such as polyps and laryngeal cysts. Laryngeal lipomas are most commonly found in the supraglottic region, where there is a higher concentration of adipose tissue. Imaging methods, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are essential for its characterization. Histologically, it is composed of mature adipocytes, well-defined, and without atypia. Complete surgical excision is the definitive treatment, with good success rates and a low probability of recurrence, as long as the removal is complete. Although the prognosis after excision is excellent, with rapid recovery of vocal and respiratory function, long-term follow-up is important to monitor for possible recurrences. The rarity of this lesion and the absence of well-defined management protocols make this topic of great interest to otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons, highlighting the importance of reporting cases to better understand the disease and improve surgical techniques.