POSTTRAUMATIC SPINDLE CELL NODULE OF THE BUCCAL MUCOSA - REPORT OF A CASE

A benign posttraumatic spindle cell proliferation arising at a site of laceration in the buccal mucosa of a 19-year old man is described. This lesion, which histologically mimicked a leiomyosarcoma, appears to represent a reactive process similar to that described as postoperative spindle cell nodules of the genitourinary tract. Reexcision of the area 1 month after biopsy revealed only scar formation and mild chronic inflammation. Recognition of this type of benign spindle cell proliferation at traumatized sites in the oral cavity is important if misdiagnosis and subsequent aggressive therapy is to be avoided.