Verruciform xanthoma of the tongue

Abstract

Verruciform xanthoma is a benign, soft tissue lesion occurring on the orogenital mucosa. Presentation of oral lesions can be pink, yellow, or gray raised plaque or papule with granular, papillary, or verrucous in nature. There are many theories proposed for the etiopathogenesis of verruciform xanthoma. Clinical observations may be misguiding as the lesion resembles malignant and premalignant lesions. Histopathological confirmation is essential for diagnosis and avoiding radical surgery. Once excised, the lesion does not recur. Here, we present a case report of verruciform xanthoma of the tongue in a 50-year-old female patient.

Keywords: Foam cells; tongue; verruciform xanthoma.

Figure 1

Patient with verruciform xanthoma of tongue

Figure 2

Minimal extension of lesion on ventral surface of the tongue

Figure 3

Excision of the lesion

Figure 4

Parakertinized stratified squamous epithelium with juxtaepithelial areas of xanthoma cells (H and E, ×100)

Figure 5

Xanthoma cells along with vascular channels and inflammatory cells in papillary portion of lamina propria (H and E, ×400)