Gingival salivary gland choristoma: An unusual case report

The gingival salivary gland choristoma, a highly unusual tumor-like mass alteration constituted by normal salivary gland cells in an abnormal location, reported for the first time in 1964 by Moskow and Baden. To our knowledge, only 12 cases of this entity (including present case) are reported to date, the majority observed as asymptomatic, solitary, smooth-surfaced tumor-like masses, measuring 0.5-1.5 cm with no osseous involvement. This case involves a 38-year-old female, with a pink symptomatic polypoid nodule on the posterior mandibular alveolar ridge mucosa, measuring 6 mm in diameter where no osseous abnormalities are shown. An excisional biopsy was performed. Microscopically, the specimen was constituted by dense fibrous connective tissue containing mucous minor salivary glands, intraductal calcification and adipose tissue clusters. Furthermore, inflammatory infiltrate foci were seen. An immunohistochemical technique was used as the support for the diagnostic methodology. The diagnosis of gingival salivary gland choristoma was established. Some development theories are discussed, referring to a pluripotential capacity of the gingiva. This case reflects the importance of not underestimating innocuous lesions that could represent more serious or unusual entities. In addition, histopathological analysis is mandatory to achieve a correct diagnosis and management of soft-tissue enlargements of oral mucosa.