JAPANESE JOURNAL OF ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Vol. 54 No. 8       2008

ISSN: 0021-5163      UBIC: 151-J

ABSTRACT

Angioleiomyoma is a benign tumor of smooth-muscle origin with a predilection for the extremities, but has rarely been reported to occur in the oral cavity. We describe a case of angioleiomyoma of the tongue. A 48-year-old man had a 5-year history of a mass arising in the left margin of the tongue, which repeatedly enlarged and regressed. When the tumor became enlarged and ulcerated, he consulted our department. On physical examination, an elastic firm, non-tender mass measuring approximately 11 X 10 X 12 mm with a surface ulcer approximately 4 mm in maximal diameter was detected. Because a diagnosis of angioleiomyoma was established by biopsy, he was scheduled for tumor resection; however, at the patient' s request, the sharp edges of the teeth in contact with the tumor were ground, and the patient was followed up. Although the tumor initially regressed, it ceased to regress about 4 months after grinding of the teeth and was resected. Immunostaining with anti- α - smooth muscle actin antibody and anti-caldesmon antibody was useful for histopathological diagnosis of the tumor. We speculate that mechanical stimulation and smoking slightly influenced the development of the tumor. Keywords: angioleiomyoma, tongue, immunostaining.

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