# Macroglossia Due to Symmetrical Lipomatosis of the Tongue: A Rare Presentation of Madelung's Disease—Case Report

**Authors:** Daniela Salamanca‐Ramirez, Daniel Felipe Villa‐Zuluaga, Diego Alejandro Ardila‐Torres

PMC · DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.72199 · Clinical Case Reports · 2026-02-28

## TL;DR

A rare case of Madelung's disease causing tongue enlargement in a 58-year-old patient was successfully treated with surgery in Latin America.

## Contribution

This is the first reported case of Madelung's disease with symmetrical tongue lipomatosis in Latin America.

## Key findings

- Symmetrical lipomatosis of the tongue can be a rare presentation of Madelung's disease.
- Bilateral glossectomy preserved tongue function while significantly improving quality of life.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for effective management.

## Abstract

Madelung's disease can present with macroglossia, leading to airway and functional impairment. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are essential to prevent complications and improve quality of life. This case highlights the importance of recognizing rare presentations for prompt and effective management.

Symmetrical lipomatosis of the tongue is a rare manifestation of Madelung´s disease, characterized by diffuse, non‐encapsulated adipose tissue growth. We present the first reported Latin American case of a 58 year old patient treated with symmetrical bilateral glossectomy which preserved tongue functionality and significantly improved quality of life.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Madelung's disease (MONDO:0006574)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** renal tubular acidosis (MESH:D000141), tracheobronchial obstruction (MESH:C566362), Launois-Bensaude syndrome (MESH:D008069), restricted neck mobility (MESH:D006258), Benign tumors of the tongue (MESH:D014062), dyspnea (MESH:D004417), lymphangioma (MESH:D008202), Macroglossia (MESH:D008260), malignancy (MESH:D009369), adipocyte hypertrophy (MESH:D006984), diabetes mellitus (MESH:D003920), dyslipidemia (MESH:D050171), lipomatous (MESH:D008080), hypothyroidism (MESH:D007037), hypertension (MESH:D006973), pain (MESH:D010146), dehiscence (MESH:D013529), liver disease (MESH:D008107), lipomas (MESH:D008067), dysphonia (MESH:D055154), dysphagia (MESH:D003680), somatic and autonomic neuropathies (MESH:D013001), Lipomatosis (MESH:D008068), neurofibromatosis (MESH:D017253), cavernous hemangioma (MESH:D006392), hyperlipidemia (MESH:D006949), lipomatous masses (MESH:C536030), hyperuricemia (MESH:D033461), metabolic disorders (MESH:D008659), hearing loss (MESH:D034381), neurological symptoms (MESH:D009461), hepatic disease (MESH:D056486), vertigo (MESH:D014717), dysarthria (MESH:D004401), mediastinal syndrome (MESH:D008480), obesity (MESH:D009765)
- **Chemicals:** acetaminophen (MESH:D000082), polydioxanone (MESH:D016687), naproxen (MESH:D009288), alcohol (MESH:D000438)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

6 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12949422/full.md

## References

6 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12949422/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12949422