Clinicopathological Features of Leiomyosarcoma of the Tongue: an Immunohistochemical Study and Review of the Literature

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the tongue is an extremely rare tumor. We present a case of LMS of the tongue in a 71-year-old man with a one-year history of a painless tongue nodule. Examination of the oral cavity revealed a firm 45-mm mass located on the right lateral border of the tongue. Biopsy and pathological examination showed a malignant muscular neoplasm that required immunohistochemical analysis. The patient underwent surgery with preparation of a cervical flap and unilateral upper neck dissection, during which examination was negative for lymph node metastasis. Definitive histological examination showed LMS of the tongue. After 13 months, a recurrent tumor was detected in the floor of the mouth. The outcome of our patient and review of the literature suggest that these aggressive tumors require wide local excision and prolonged follow up.