ORAL NODULAR FASCIITIS: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a rare and benign proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts that may be mistaken for a sarcoma due to clinically rapid growth, rich cellularity, and mitotic activity. A 14-year-old female was referred to the oral and maxillofacial surgery service with a nodular lesion in the tongue and 2 months’ of evolution. Oral examination revealed a pedunculated nodule, 1.5 cm, pinkish, and irregular surface in the posterior tongue region. An excisional biopsy was performed, and the histopathologic analysis showed a proliferation of spindle cells arranged in fascicles, surrounded by dense connective tissue (keloid-like) and myxoid degeneration. In the immunohistochemical analysis, HHF35 and SMA antibodies were positive, and Ki-67 staining was positive in less than 1% of the tumor cells. The final diagnosis of NF was made. No signs of recurrence have been noted after 1 year of follow-up. Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a rare and benign proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts that may be mistaken for a sarcoma due to clinically rapid growth, rich cellularity, and mitotic activity. A 14-year-old female was referred to the oral and maxillofacial surgery service with a nodular lesion in the tongue and 2 months’ of evolution. Oral examination revealed a pedunculated nodule, 1.5 cm, pinkish, and irregular surface in the posterior tongue region. An excisional biopsy was performed, and the histopathologic analysis showed a proliferation of spindle cells arranged in fascicles, surrounded by dense connective tissue (keloid-like) and myxoid degeneration. In the immunohistochemical analysis, HHF35 and SMA antibodies were positive, and Ki-67 staining was positive in less than 1% of the tumor cells. The final diagnosis of NF was made. No signs of recurrence have been noted after 1 year of follow-up.