Neuroepithelial Structures Associated With the Subepithelial Nerve Plexus of Taste Buds: A Fortuitous Finding Resembling the Juxtaoral Organ of Chievitz Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Numerous embryologic epithelial remnants have been described in the oral region, and when they are intimately associated with peripheral nerves, they may pose a diagnostic pitfall for pathologists. The literature contains well-documented cases in which the juxtaoral organ of Chievitz (JOC) was identified in a surgical specimen removed because of an oral malignancy and correct recognition of this anatomic structure potentially avoided unnecessary treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a case in which a neuroepithelial structure similar to, if not morphologically identical to, that of the JOC was found in the posterior lateral border of the tongue in close association with the subepithelial nerve plexus of taste buds.