HETEROTOPIC GASTROINTESTINAL CYST OF THE ORAL CAVITY: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Heterotopic gastrointestinal cyst (HGC) is a rare, benign lesion that can be found in any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The present study aimed to report a case of HGC occurring in the oral cavity. A 1-year-old male child was noted to have a fistula in the submental region. Intraoral examination did not reveal any sign of changes in the oral cavity structures. Computed tomography showed isodense masses localized in the sublingual and submental spaces. An excisional biopsy was carried out and the specimen was fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Microscopic examination revealed a fragment of cystic capsule covered with nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium, which in some areas was replaced by gastric mucosa. These microscopic findings rendered the diagnosis of HGC. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and the follow-up to date shows no recurrence. Heterotopic gastrointestinal cyst (HGC) is a rare, benign lesion that can be found in any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The present study aimed to report a case of HGC occurring in the oral cavity. A 1-year-old male child was noted to have a fistula in the submental region. Intraoral examination did not reveal any sign of changes in the oral cavity structures. Computed tomography showed isodense masses localized in the sublingual and submental spaces. An excisional biopsy was carried out and the specimen was fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Microscopic examination revealed a fragment of cystic capsule covered with nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium, which in some areas was replaced by gastric mucosa. These microscopic findings rendered the diagnosis of HGC. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and the follow-up to date shows no recurrence.