Extensively ossifying oral leiomyoma: a rare histologic finding

Area of Science:

• Oral Pathology
• Neoplasms
• Histopathology

Background:

• Oral leiomyomas are uncommon benign neoplasms originating from smooth muscle tissue.
• While ossification is recognized in leiomyomas, it is predominantly documented in deep soft tissues, not typically within the oral cavity.
• Ossifying leiomyomas of the head and neck region are exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• The study identified only three previously reported cases of extensively ossified leiomyoma in the head and neck.
• These rare head and neck lesions included locations such as the lateral pterygoid muscle and orbit.
• Prior literature documented only one instance of an extensively calcified leiomyoma within the oral cavity.

Findings:

• The authors present two novel cases of oral leiomyoma exhibiting extensive intratumoral calcification and ossification.
• These findings underscore the extreme rarity of oral ossifying leiomyoma.
• The presented cases add to the limited understanding of this specific histopathological presentation.

Implications:

• Ossifying leiomyoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis for oral cavity masses that present as calcified or hard/firm.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management and treatment planning.
• Increased awareness among clinicians can improve the identification of these rare entities.