SUBGEMMAL NEUROGENOUS PLAQUE: REPORT OF 11 CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Objective Subgemmal neurogenous plaques are subepithelial neural structures usually located along the posterolateral border of the tongue. Often associated with the taste buds, they are mostly asymptomatic, but occasionally patients present with pain or a burning sensation. Our objective for this study is to assess previous cases of this entity and contribute eleven new cases to the literature. Findings We performed a retrospective analysis of the archived cases from the Department of Pathology, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. A detailed search was performed using the PowerPath (Sunquest) laboratory information system, which consisted of a review of all cases received from the year 2013 to 2017. 11 cases were found to be diagnosed as subgemmal neurogenous plaque. All cases were located in the tongue. The lesions showed a female predilection with a mean age of 51.7 years. These findings are consistent with previous published studies. In cases with S-100 immunohistochemical staining (8/11), S-100 confirmed the diagnosis. According to the clinical histories provided, the majority (6/11) were asymptomatic, mass-forming lesions, two cases were red/white lesions with no associated pain or burning sensations, one case presented as tongue pain and two cases lacked clinical information. Conclusion Subgemmal neurogenous plaque is a common entity which has been previously misinterpreted as a neurofibroma, neuroma, ganglioma and even squamous cell carcinoma. Proper diagnosis requires histopathological examination. It is important to create awareness among current students and residents in addition to practicing pathologists about this entity. Our study is consistent with other studies performed to date and contributes a further reinforcement and addition to the current literature. We also recommend a larger and more diversified study of this entity for the future.