Cartilaginous Choristoma of the Gingiva: A Rare Clinical Entity

Abstract

Choristomas are rare entities which are aggregates of microscopically normal cells or tissues in aberrant locations. They are a “heterotopic” rest of cells, as they appear as a tumor-like mass. Herein we report a case of cartilaginous choristoma in a 54-year-old male who presented with a swelling on right lower gingiva. The histopathological examination revealed features of a well circumscribed mass of mature cartilage in a dense fibrous connective tissue stroma.

Chondroid choristoma of the tongue: A rare case report

“…[ 30 40 ] Traumatic chondromatous metaplasia is seen in edentulous ridges as a result of chronic mechanical irritation from ill-fitting dentures. [ 1 ] In our case, the patient was dentulous, and hence, this differential diagnosis was ruled out. Ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor is histopathologically characterized by the lobular proliferation of ovoid and fusiform cells with occasional foci of atypia in a chondromyxoid background and absence of these features eliminated this diagnosis.…”

“…The term “Choristoma” can be used to describe tumor-like masses consisting of normal cells in an abnormal location, i.e., a “heterotopic” rest of the cells. [ 1 2 ] The occurrence of these entities has been attributed to abnormalities in the embryonic development of the neural tube. [ 2 ] It is crucial to distinguish choristomas from hamartomas and teratomas, wherein hamartomas are nonneoplastic, unifocal/multifocal, and developmental malformations, comprising a mixture of cytologically normal mature cells and tissues which are indigenous to the anatomic location, showing disorganized architectural pattern with predominance of one of its components.…”

Clitoral choristoma: A rare case report

“…[ 1 2 ] A choristoma is a benign, congenital proliferation of histologically mature tissue elements not normally present at the site of occurrence. [ 1 2 3 4 ] This heterotopic congenital lesion results from normal tissue migrating to or remaining in an abnormal location during embryogenesis (hence, the derivation from the Greek word for “separated mass”). Like hamartomas, they gain a certain size and then cease to grow.…”

“…The other causes of androgen excess, which is the main contributing factor for clitoral enlargement, include functional endocrine tumors and exogenous hormonal intake. [ 2 5 ]…”

“…Choristoma, a congenital anomaly, is better described as a “heterotopic” rest of cells. [ 1 2 ] Choristoma is a more acknowledged term and it was first described by Krolls et al . as tumor-like growths of microscopically normal tissue in an unusual location.…”