NERVE SHEATH MYXOMA OF THE ORAL CAVITY - CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW

Nerve sheath myxoma is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor that rar ely occurs in the oral cavity; approximately 12 cases have been report ed to dale. On histologic evaluation the lesions consist of closely ag gregated fascicles that vary considerably in cellularity. Some of the lesions are predominantly myxoid with widely spaced, stellate-shaped c ells. Other lesions consist of closely aggregated spindle cells in a m atrix that appears fibrous yet stains strongly for acid mucopolysaccha rides (extracellular mucin). Small numbers of mitotic figures may be o bserved. Because of their rarity and unusual histologic appearance, it is advisable that the pathologist be familiar with these lesions; the y may be mistaken for other myxoid lesions of the oral mucosa. We desc ribe a single case of nerve sheath myxoma that arose in the buccal muc osa in a woman.