Surgical resection of a rare lipoblastoma-like tumor of the tongue showed no recurrence at 19 monthsRare Tongue Tumor Identified as Lipoblastoma-like Tumor

Frontiers in Medicine Published September 30, 2026 DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Julia Lee, PhD · Oncology, Genomics & Drug Development

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Key Takeaway

Note the rarity of lingual lipoblastoma-like tumors and the need for accurate diagnosis and long-term follow-up.

This case report describes a rare instance of a lipoblastoma-like tumor (LLT) located on the right lateral border of the tongue in a 41-year-old female. The report highlights the rarity of this specific location, noting that only 3 cases of lingual LLT have been reported to date.

Microscopic examination of the tumor revealed typical features of LLT. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for CD34 and vimentin, partially positive for CDK4 and S-100, and negative for Rb, p16, and MDM2. Genetic testing via FISH showed no DDIT3 rearrangement or MDM2 amplification, and NGS detected no significant genetic alterations.

Following surgical resection, the patient was monitored for 19 months, during which no recurrence was observed. Due to the single case report nature of this evidence, the findings are limited by a small sample size. The case underscores the necessity for accurate diagnosis and long-term surveillance in patients presenting with rare lingual tumors.

Doctors reported on a rare case involving a 41-year-old woman who had a mass on the right side of her tongue. The tumor was identified as a lipoblastoma-like tumor (LLT). This specific type of tumor is very rare, with only three cases ever reported on the tongue.

After the tumor was surgically removed, it underwent detailed testing. Microscopic and genetic tests confirmed the diagnosis. These tests looked for specific markers and genetic changes to ensure the tumor was not a different, more aggressive type of cancer. The patient was monitored for 19 months, and the tumor did not return.

Because this condition is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to identify at first. This case highlights the need for careful testing and long-term follow-up for any unusual growths in the mouth. Because this is a single case report, it is not enough to establish a general rule for all patients, but it helps doctors recognize this rare condition.

What this means for you:

A rare tongue tumor was identified as a lipoblastoma-like tumor, showing no recurrence after 19 months.

Common questions

What was found in the patient's tongue mass?

The mass was identified as a lipoblastoma-like tumor. Testing showed it was positive for certain markers like CD34 and vimentin, but it did not show signs of more aggressive genetic changes. This specific type of tumor is very rare, with only three cases ever reported on the tongue.

Did the tumor come back after surgery?

The patient underwent a surgical resection to remove the mass. During the 19 months of follow-up, no recurrence of the tumor was observed. This suggests that the surgical removal was successful for this specific case.

How common is this type of tumor on the tongue?

This condition is extremely rare. The report notes that only three cases of lipoblastoma-like tumors on the tongue have been reported to date. Because it is so rare, it is important for doctors to perform thorough testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedSep 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

Lipoblastoma-like tumor (LLT) is a distinctive adipocytic neoplasm most commonly arising in the vulva of women. Lingual involvement is extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of LLT occurring in the tongue and review the relevant literature. The patient was a 41-year-old female who presented with a mass on the right lateral border of the tongue for 6 months. Microscopic examination revealed the typical features of LLT. Immunohistochemically, the tumor was positive for CD34 and vimentin, with partial positivity for CDK4 and S-100, and negative for Rb, p16, and MDM2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) demonstrated no DDIT3 rearrangement or MDM2 amplification. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) detected no significant genetic alterations. The tumor was completely resected, and no recurrence was observed at 19 months of follow-up. Given the rarity of lingual LLT—of which only three cases, including ours, have been reported—this report expands the current knowledge base and emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis and long-term patient surveillance.

Surgical resection of a rare lipoblastoma-like tumor of the tongue showed no recurrence at 19 monthsRare Tongue Tumor Identified as Lipoblastoma-like Tumor

Common questions

Study Details

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Surgical resection of a rare lipoblastoma-like tumor of the tongue showed no recurrence at 19 monthsRare Tongue Tumor Identified as Lipoblastoma-like Tumor

Common questions

Study Details

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