Perineurioma of the Tongue: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

A perineurioma (PN) is a rare benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor derived from perineurial cells. Based on clinical and pathologic features, PNs can be classified into 2 major subtypes: intraneural PN (IPN) and the more common extraneural PN (EPN). EPNs and IPNs are extremely rare in the oral cavity, and there have been only 38 reported cases (21 EPNs, 17 IPNs). In the present case, a 20-year-old man presented with a painless left dorsal tongue mass. Excisional biopsy examination indicated a diagnosis of EPN based on microscopic examination with immunohistochemical analysis. Twenty-eight months later the patient presented again with concern for a recurrent lesion. Intraoral examination showed a firm nonulcerated left dorsal tongue mass. Re-excision and microscopic examination with immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of an EPN. This report presents an unusual case of EPN that arose in the tongue and potentially recurred, although the possibility of persistence versus true recurrence exists. In addition, the clinicopathologic characteristics of previously reported cases of oral PN are reviewed.