Lipomas are benign tumors of fat cells usually occurring in adults in the sixth and seventh decade. Sometimes lipomas are seen in syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia Type I.

Patients notice a soft, painless, slow-growing swelling in the mouth.

Some fatty tumors of the buccal mucosa are not true lipomas but rather herniation of the buccal fat pad, especially during or after surgery in the area.