A Case of Verruciform Xanthoma Arising in the Tongue

Abstract

Verruciform Xanthoma (VX) is a rare lesion of the oral cavity. Histologically, it is characterized by papillary or verrucous proliferation of squamous epithelium and numerous foam cells. VX arising in the tongue is comparatively rare, as most cases of VX in oral cavity occur in gingiva. A 65-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with a mass on the left side of the tongue. The lesion was yellowish, and its surface was granulated. The patient had neither tenderness nor any symptoms. The lesion was clinically diagnosed to be a benign tumor, and hence, biopsy was performed, according to which it was diagnosed as hyperparakeratosis. Based on this diagnosis, the tumor was excised under general anesthesia. Histopathologically, the tumor consisted of stratified squamous epithelium with parakeratosis and elongated rete ridges. Aggregation of foam cells was observed between and under the rete ridges. From these features, a diagnosis of VX was made. The patient has had no local recurrence as of three years post-operatively.

Keywords

• foam cell
• hyperparakeratosis
• verrucous proliferation