Herniated Buccal Fat Pad |
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Many adults have a rather thick, diffuse layer of fatty tissue, the buccal fat pad (buccal sucking pad), between the submucosal fibrovascular stroma and the underlying masseter muscle of the buccal region, or between the masseter and buccinator muscles. This bilateral condition is common in infants and is occasionally seen in adults, especially in obese persons and persons with rounded faces. Acute trauma from biting the buccal tissues may rupture this fatty tissue, allowing a portion of it to herniate as a sessile or pedunculated submucosal mass which may be several centimeters across. Once this occurs, the herniated buccal fat pad does not further increase in size but seems not to revert to normal. It must usually be surgically excised in order to prevent further injury of the resultant exophytic mass. The histopathology is that of normal, mature adipose tissue interspersed with a variable number of fibrous bands or trabeculae.
Clinical Features
Pathology and Differential Diagnosis
Treatment and Prognosis
References (Chronologic Order)
Note: General references can be found by clicking on that topic to the left.
Clawson JR, Kline KK, Armbrecht EC. Trauma-induced avulsion of the buccal fat pad into the mouth: report of a case. J Oral Surg 1968; 26:546-547.
Brooke RI, MacGregor AJ. Traumatic pseudolipoma of the buccal mucosa. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1969; 28:223-225.
Browne WG. Herniation of buccal fat pad. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1970; 29:181-183.
Berk CW, Gibson WS Jr. Pathologic quiz case 1: traumatic herniated gangrenous buccal fat pad (traumatic pseudolipoma). Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1994; 120:340-342.
