Abstract
Since its original description in 1913, fewer than 100 lingual osseous choristomas have been reported in the literature; thus, prevalence is unknown. We describe a case of an 11 year old male who was seen in consultation after an incidental left posterior tongue mass was discovered on exam. The patient’s presentation of an asymptomatic, hard, pedunculate posterior tongue lesion is typical; however, if one is to believe the proposed congenital remnant theory in regards to the etiology of this benign tumor, it is curious that no mention was made of a lesion of the tongue on prior evaluations by his pediatrician or on the otolaryngologic examinations performed 3 and 6 years prior to the most recent presentation. Included with the case description are interesting radiographs, intra-operative photos, gross specimen photo and microscopic images.
An 11 year old male was seen in consultation after an incidental left posterior tongue mass was discovered on exam. The patient complained of an intermittent globus sensation, but was otherwise asymptomatic. Past medical history included transient dysphagia and odynophagia six years prior to presentation that subsequently resolved. A thyroid uptake scan was unremarkable.
An ovoid, mucosally-covered, 8–10 mm mass ( Fig. 1 ) was found on physical examination. CT of the neck revealed a densely calcified 1.1 × 0.9 × 0.8 cm lesion ( Fig. 2 ) left of the midline tongue base. Transoral surgical resection revealed a densely firm pedunculated mass. Pathology showed mature bone fragments with overlying squamous epithelium consistent with osseous choristoma ( Fig. 3 ).
