Oral leiomyoma: a case report

Abstract

Oral leiomyoma is a benign smooth muscle tumour, that occurs most frequently in the uterine myometrium, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. Ocurrence in the oral cavity is considered rare, probably because of the paucity of smooth muscle tissue at this level. Smooth muscle tumours can occur at any age an usually is appear as a slow growing, firm mucosal nodule. Most lesions are asymptomatic, although occasional tumours can be painful. The most common sites are: lips, palate and tongue. The diagnosis of leiomyoma in the oral cavity is mainly determined by histological studies and special specific stains may be helpful to differentiate from other tumours, and also to confirm the smooth muscle origin is the diagnosis is in doubt. Surgical excision of the lesion appears to be the best treatment option. The purpose of this article is to present a case of a 62 year-old woman, with a 6 month history of a leiomyoma in her right cheek and to explain its clinical features and treatment.