Primary Ectopic Meningioma of the Tongue: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Primary ectopic (extracranial) meningiomas (PEMs) are very rare and have been reported only sporadically. Histologically speaking, PEMs are similar to their intracranial counterparts in being composed of neoplastic arachnoidal (meningothelial) cells. In addition, several types of microscopic cellular morphologies have been observed in intracranial meningiomas: meningothelial (syncytial), psammomatous, atypical, anaplastic, fibrous, and angioblastic. To the best of the authors' knowledge, PEM presenting as a mass in the tongue has not been reported previously. This report describes a case of lingual PEM in a 17-year-old boy. Special attention is given to the unique clinical presentation and management. The literature was reviewed to provide valuable knowledge to clinicians.