Lingual Osteoma

Abstract

Osteomas are slow growing bone neoplasms that usually arise in head and neck region. Tongue is a rare location with fewer than 100 cases reported. A case of lingual osteoma is presented with a literature review of its clinical features and pathogenesis. A 42 year-old patient referred to the hospital with the complaint of a painless mass on his dorsal tongue present for three weeks. Clinical examination revealed a 1.5 x 1-cm pedunculated firm mass with smooth surface. He had no history of trauma. The mass was excised. Microscopic examination showed well circumscribed sclerotic lamellar bone surrounded by squamous epithelium consistent with osteoma. Lingual osteomas are found mainly on the posterior third of the dorsum of the tongue. The pathogenesis of osteomas remains obscure. One of the proposed theories is post traumatic reaction, similar to myositis ossificans. Developmental malformation and ossification of an embryologic thyroid remnant are other mechanisms proposed.