Benign Symmetric Lipomatosis of the Tongue With Dysgeusia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Benign symmetric lipomatosis (BSL) is a rare disorder that is characterized by diffuse growth, multiple symmetrical accumulation, and unencapsulated lipomas. BSL is also known as Madelung disease, Launois-Bensaude syndrome, and multiple symmetric lipomatosis. BSL is commonly found in the upper trunk and posterior neck. Symmetric lipomatosis of the tongue (SLT) is extremely rare. A 49-year-old man with a history of primary biliary cholangitis, hypertension, and gastroduodenal ulcer, as well as a background of heavy alcohol consumption, was referred to our department due to a one-month history of difficulties in speaking and swallowing and dysgeusia. Bilateral adipose tissue in the tongue was observed. His dysgeusia improved immediately after glossectomy. A literature review of case reports of SLT was performed using PubMed and Web of Science. A total of 62 articles were extracted. We reviewed 17 articles comprising 18 patients (15 men and three women) who met the inclusion criteria. Including our patient, the age at diagnosis ranged from 49 to 88 years old, with a median age of 66.5 years old. The rates of alcohol consumption and type of BSL (I/II) were 42.1% and 84.2%, respectively. The rates of dysphasia, dysarthria, and dyspnea symptoms were 55.6%, 66.7%, and 27.8%, respectively. Fourteen patients underwent glossectomy. Dysgeusia caused by SLT may improve with glossectomy. 'Wait-and-see' may be an option unless patients complain of symptoms such as dysphasia, dysarthria, and dyspnea. As lipomatosis has the potential for regrowth and SLT can transform into a malignant tumor, long-term follow-up is necessary.