An unusual presentation of a rare soft tissue tumor in the tongue: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor

Abstract

Abstract Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm of intermediate biologic potential. Here, we describe an unusual presentation of IMT in the oral tongue of a pediatric patient. In contrast to other presentations in the literature suggestive of a malignant process, the presentation seen here appears benign. However, unlike the more common benign pediatric tongue lesions, IMT does have aggressive and even mortal potential. Though rare, it is important to keep in mind atypical presentations like the one described here and consider IMT on the differential diagnosis of a tongue lesion in a pediatric patient.