[Basilingual xanthoma]

Xanthomas are benign slow-growing dysmetabolism tumours consisting of histiocytes laden with lipid droplets of cholesteryl ester and, sometimes, triglycerides. Two forms of appearance have been identified: as dyslipidemic xanthomatosis with coexisting alteration of lipids, or as normolipidemic xanthomatosis without any lipid level alterations. Involvement of the upper area of aerodigestive tract by this entity is very rare and there are only a few cases in the literature. We report a case of dyslipidemic xanthomatosis with epiglottic and basilingual involvement that produced oropharyngeal foreign body sensation with dysphagia. Evolution was favourable after laser resection.