Lipoosteocartilaginous Choristoma of the Tongue: A Case Report

Choristomas, a form of heterotopia, are masses of normal tissues found in abnormal locations. It is rare in the oral cavity and the tongue is the most affected site intraorally. Majority of choristomas were more prevalent in females than males with a wide age range. An 18 years -old female Libyan patient presented to the dental clinic complaining of a painless swelling of the anterior part of her tongue. The clinical examination revealed submucosal mass measuring 1×1 cm just lateral to the tip of the tongue, pink in color with normal mucosal surface. Microscopically, the section showed lobules of mature hyaline cartilage with adipose tissue rimming and foci of osseous tissue. The lesion was surrounded by a fibrous capsule. Choristoma of the tongue is a rare benign lesion that should be kept as a differential diagnosis of tongue lesions not only in posterior one-third. The diagnosis of lipoosteocartilaginous choristoma was giving according to histopathological examination of excisional biopsy to exclude other benign lesions and malignancy.