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Lingual harmatoma in an infant
E A Ameh1, P M Mshelbwala, A H Rafindadi
1Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria. eaameh@yahoo.co.uk
Insights
Lingual hamartomas are rare tumors in infants. This case report details a successful complete excision of a congenital tongue hamartoma in a 5-month-old, with no recurrence observed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Oral Pathology
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Lingual tumors are exceptionally rare in infants.
- Hamartomas, benign tumors composed of disorganized tissue elements normally found in the affected site, are infrequently reported in the pediatric tongue.
Observation:
- A 5-month-old male infant presented with a congenital growth on the dorsum of his tongue.
- The lingual growth did not cause any significant respiratory distress or feeding difficulties.
Findings:
- Complete surgical excision of the lingual growth was performed.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a tongue hamartoma.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering hamartomas in the differential diagnosis of congenital lingual masses.
- Complete excision appears to be an effective treatment for pediatric lingual hamartomas, with a favorable prognosis and no recurrence in this instance.
Abstract:
Lingual tumours are uncommon in infants and harmatomas are rarely reported. A 5-month-old boy presented with a growth on the dorsum of the tongue which had been present from birth. The growth produced no respiratory or feeding difficulties. It was confirmed to be a harmatoma after complete excision. There has been no recurrence.
