[Bronchogenic cyst of the tongue in an adult].

INTRODUCTION

Choristoma are non-malignant embryonic tumors, defined by ectopic tissues different from the organ on which they develop. The bronchogenic cyst is a choristoma affecting the upper aero digestive tract. It is lined with respiratory epithelium. The tongue is a rare localization for choristoma.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 22-year old male patient who consulted in maxillofacial surgery for painful macroglossia. Imaging revealed a median lesion, suggesting an abscessed embryonic tumor. Pathologic examination after surgical exeresis confirmed the diagnosis of lingual choristoma of the bronchogenic cyst type.

DISCUSSION: Embryonic tumors of the tongue are generally diagnosed during childhood. Adult cases are rare. Surgical removal is the only treatment. Post-operative complications and relapse are rare. Only one case of malignant transformation has been reported; systematic radical exeresis is thus always recommended.