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Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma of the gingiva
L Montebugnoli1, M Venturi, D B Gissi
1Department of Oral Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. lucio.montebugnoli@unibo.it
BMJ Case Reports
|July 17, 2012
Summary
Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma, a rare oral cancer, can present as a gingival swelling. Early diagnosis and complete surgical excision are crucial for successful treatment and preventing recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Oral Pathology
- Surgical Oncology
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Background:
- Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is a recently defined malignant tumor originating from myofibroblasts.
- It is a rare entity predominantly affecting the head and neck soft tissues.
- While oral cavity involvement is documented, the gingiva is an exceptionally rare primary site.
Observation:
- A case report details a 37-year-old male with a persistent, ulcerated gingival swelling initially misdiagnosed as gingival epulis.
- Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma.
- The patient underwent segmental osteotomy for complete tumor excision.
Findings:
- Complete surgical excision of the gingival low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma was achieved via segmental osteotomy.
- The patient showed no signs of recurrence or metastatic disease during an 18-month postoperative follow-up period.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses like LGMS in persistent oral lesions.
- Accurate histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation is essential for correct diagnosis.
- Radical surgical resection appears to be an effective treatment strategy for localized gingival LGMS, with favorable prognosis.
