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Leiomyosarcoma presenting as a mandibular gingival swelling: a case report.
P R Goldschmidt1, J D Goldschmidt, S E Lieblich
1School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, USA.
Journal of Periodontology
|March 3, 1999
Summary
A rare low-grade leiomyosarcoma of the mandible, initially mistaken for a dental issue, was successfully treated. This case highlights the importance of considering rare tumors in persistent jaw swellings.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Surgical oncology
- Mesenchymal neoplasms
Background:
- Leiomyosarcoma, a malignant tumor of smooth muscle, rarely occurs in the mandible.
- Primary mandibular tumors are uncommon, and leiomyosarcoma is exceptionally rare in this location.
Observation:
- A young woman presented with a painful gingival swelling mimicking a periodontal infection.
- Initial treatment with curettage, debridement, and antibiotics was unsuccessful.
- Biopsy revealed a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm with smooth muscle actin (SMA) and vimentin expression.
Findings:
- The diagnosis of primary low-grade leiomyosarcoma of the mandible was confirmed via immunohistochemistry.
- Surgical management involved en bloc resection of the affected mandibular bone and soft tissue.
- Over 10 years of follow-up showed no recurrence or metastasis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic challenge of rare mandibular neoplasms presenting as common conditions.
- Successful surgical resection offers a favorable prognosis for low-grade mandibular leiomyosarcoma.
- A potential association between oral contraceptives and smooth muscle tumors warrants further investigation.