Review of medical literature proves that lipomas of the gastro-intestinal tract occur infrequently, but should not be considered rare. Actual preoperative identification of lipoma of the ileocecal valve occurs infrequently. It may appear to be an encapsulated or pedunculated mass or, much more rarely, it may be properly described as lipomatosis of the ileocecal valve. In this last instance, there is diffuse submucosal infiltration by fat, producing a symmetrical enlargement of the ileocecal valve. At times thistumor produces symptoms of obstruction with crampy abdominal pains, bloating and distention, irregular bowel habits and, less frequently, anemia due to bleeding. Obese women, past 40 years of age, with these symptoms and x-ray evidence of deformity of the ileocecal valve, most often fulfill the criteria of the ileocecal valve syndrome. In view of the symptoms and the possibility of malignant disease, right colectomy would seem clearly indicated. Cecotomy is nearly always necessary to identify definitely the elusive tumor and to aid in the decision regarding the type of surgery required.