Alveolar soft part sarcoma in buccal mucosa of a young child

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare malignant tumour that is considered to lack a normal cell counterpart and is commonly associated with a poorer prognosis. Etio-pathologically, it has been associated with alveolar soft part sarcoma critical region-1-transcription factor for immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer 3 fusion gene. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular testing. Being chemo-resistant, surgical excision with clear margins is the primary treatment, with radiation therapy considered adjuvant in advanced cases. Deceptively slow growth and potential metastatic potential make its diagnosis, treatment and prognosis challenging for clinicians. We report a case of ASPS in the left buccal mucosa of a young child who was mistaken for a dental infection by a local dentist. Later on, confirmation with histopathology and IHC, the patient underwent complete excision with hemi-mandibulectomy followed by adjuvant radiation therapy. This case emphasises the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for ASPS in the buccal mucosa of a young child.