INTRA-ORAL RHABDOMYOMAS

Review of the world literature revealed 16 cases of intraoral rhabdomyomas. Thirteen additional cases of intraoral rhabdomyomas from the files of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology are reported. The neoplasm occurred principally in adults (mean age 56 years), and the male-female ratio was greater than 2:1. The majority of cases occurred in the floor of the mouth, followed by the soft palate, tongue, and buccal mucosa. Recurrences occurred in four (30 percent) cases, and there was one multiple recurrence. One residual tumor, the result of incomplete surgical removal was noted. Although these tumors have a characteristic microscopic appearance, they were frequently misinterpreted. The size, clinical presentation, and growth pattern of these tumors may reflect their ultimate behavior and prognosis. © 1979.