Primary leiomyosarcoma of the oral tongue: magnetic resonance and ultrasonography findings with histopathologic correlation

Abstract

Leiomyosarcoma is a malignant smooth muscle tumor that frequently occurs in the gastrointestinal tract and female genital tract. It is aggressive and tends to recur and metastasize. Clinical behavior is unpredictable, mostly influenced by a proper surgical approach. Oral leiomyosarcoma, in particular of the tongue, is extremely rare and poorly documented in the radiology literature. Diagnostic assessment of oral leiomyosarcoma is often challenging, mostly founded on its peculiar immunohistological features. However, imaging evaluation is essential in staging and for preoperative planning. We illustrate the case of a 52-year-old woman with 2-months history of a painless growing mass on the left hemitongue, with magnetic resonance and ultrasonographic features correlated to histopathologic examination.