Extranasopharyngeal Angiofibroma in the Tongue: A Case Report With Literature Review.

Abstract

Angiofibroma is a rare, benign vascular tumor traditionally associated with the nasopharynx of adolescent males. In contrast, extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas (ENAs) exhibit a wider demographic distribution and may arise in diverse anatomical sites. We report a case involving a 45 year-old woman presenting with a 4 month history of a mass located on the lateral border of the anterior tongue. Complete excision under local anesthesia was performed. Histopathological analysis demonstrated a proliferation of irregular vascular channels lined by benign endothelial cells, set within a fibrovascular stroma, findings consistent with angiofibroma, and devoid of malignant features. Given that lingual involvement is exceptionally rare, this represents only the second documented case of tongue angiofibroma. The diagnostic challenge is compounded by its overlapping clinical and histological characteristics with other vascular lesions. Surgical removal proved curative, with no evidence of recurrence after 1 year of follow-up. This case underscores the importance of thorough clinicopathological correlation in establishing an accurate diagnosis and expands the recognized spectrum of ENA, reminding clinicians to include this entity in the differential diagnosis of oral soft tissue masses. Our findings significantly enhance clinical awareness and management.