Abstract
Smooth muscle neoplasms represent an important group of lesions which is rare in the oral cavity. Leiomyoma (LM) is benign smooth muscle/pericytic tumor usually presenting as non-aggressive neoplasm, while leiomyosarcoma (LMS) represents its malignant counterpart. The rarity of these lesions, together with its unspecific clinical presentation and a variable histopathological appearance, lead to a broad list of differential diagnoses, hampering their diagnoses. Therefore, in this study we describe the clinical and microscopic features of a series of oral and maxillofacial LMs and LMSs. A retrospective search from 2000 to 2019 was performed and all cases diagnosed as LM and LMS affecting the oral cavity and gnathic bones were retrieved. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the patients' pathology records, while microscopic features and immunohistochemistry were reviewed and completed when necessary to confirm the diagnoses. Twenty-two LMs and five LMSs were obtained. In the LM group, males predominated, with a mean age of 45.7 years. The upper lip was the most affected site, and 18 cases were classified as angioleiomyomas and four as solid LM. In the LMS group, females predominated, with a mean age of 47.6 years. The mandible was the most affected site. Diffuse proliferation of spindle cells, with necrosis and mitotic figures, were frequent microscopic findings. LMs and LMSs were positive for α-smooth muscle actin, HHF-35 and h-caldesmon. In conclusion, oral LM/LMS are uncommon neoplasms with the latter usually presenting as metastatic disease. H&E evaluation may be very suggestive of oral LMs, but h-caldesmon staining is strongly recommended to confirm LMS diagnosis.