Heterotopic neuroglial tissue: two cases involving the tongue and the buccal region

Abstract

We report two rare cases of extranasal heterotopic neuroglial tissue and review the literature on the topic. The clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical features are presented. Both patients had lesions extranasally, even though the sinonasal region is the predominant site for these heterotopias. The first lesion was located in the buccal area in an 8-year-old boy and the second lesion in the tongue of a 2-year-old boy. They had relatively small lesions with few clinical symptoms. Complete excision was made and the follow-up was unremarkable. Heterotopic neuroglial tissue is considered to be a congenital condition. Complete excision of these lesions is recommended in spite of the lack of malignant potential, but because of the possibility of continuous growth.