Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Fabrication of Tongue Extracellular Matrix and Reconstitution of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro
Published on: June 20, 2018
Lingual cyst lined by squamous epithelium
Collin M Burkart1, J Andrew Brinkman, J Paul Willging
1University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Insights
Congenital lingual cysts in newborns, unlike typical choristomas, were lined with squamous and respiratory epithelium, not gastrointestinal tissue. These rare anomalies were successfully treated with transoral surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Congenital Anomalies
- Histopathology
Background:
- Lingual choristomas and foregut duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies.
- They often manifest in newborns, potentially causing respiratory or feeding difficulties.
- These cysts are typically lined by upper aerodigestive tract epithelium.
Observation:
- Two infants presented with lingual cysts shortly after birth.
- Histological examination revealed squamous epithelium and respiratory epithelium foci.
- Crucially, gastrointestinal epithelium was absent, differentiating these from typical choristomas.
Findings:
- The described lingual cysts represent a distinct histological subtype.
- Successful surgical excision was achieved using a transoral approach.
- This case series contributes to understanding the classification of these lesions.
Implications:
- Accurate histological classification is vital for understanding lingual cyst development.
- Transoral excision is a viable and effective treatment option.
- Further research may refine the classification of congenital lingual cysts.
Abstract:
Lingual choristomas or foregut duplication cysts are infrequently reported congenital anomalies that typically present in the perinatal period, and can cause respiratory or feeding problems. These cysts are lined by epithelial cells characteristic of the upper aerodigestive tract. We describe two children who presented shortly after birth with lingual cysts lined with squamous epithelium and foci of respiratory epithelium. Unlike previously reported lingual choristomas, these cysts did not contain gastrointestinal epithelium. In both these cases, the lingual cysts were successfully excised via a transoral approach. This article will discuss the histological findings in these two cases, the differential diagnosis and attempt to classify these lesions in the context of existing terminology.
Related Concept Videos
Oral Cavity
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Stratified Epithelium
Tongue
Anatomical Position in the Oral Cavity
The tongue is located within the oral cavity, also known as the mouth. It is attached to the floor of the mouth by a fold of mucous membrane called the...
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Simple Epithelium
Because of the thinness of the cells, simple squamous epithelium is present where the rapid passage of chemical compounds is observed. For example, the endothelium that lines the capillaries and vessels...
Taste Buds and Receptors
The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...