[Hamartoma of the palate: case report and review of literature].

INTRODUCTION

A hamartoma is a benign tumor-like malformation, often taking the form of vascular malformation such as hemangiomas and lymphangiomas; hamartoma composed of other tissue types are much rarer in the oral cavity, exceptionally reported in the palate. We report herein a new case of palatal hamartoma. Our aim is to describe the epidemiological, clinico-pathologic and therapeutic features of this lesion.

OBSERVATION: A 53-years-old woman had a painless mass located on the right hard palate, measuring 2×1.5 cm of diameter, the mass was elastic with a smooth surface. On imaging, this mass was well-circumscribed, homogenous with moderate enhancement and thinning of the bone. A surgical excision was performed. Histological examination showed an ill-defined mass composed of hyperplasic salivary gland, nerve fibers, blood vessels and adipose tissue. According to these findings, the palatal lesion was interpreted as hamartoma.

CONCLUSION

The palatal hamartoma can mimic clinically a malign neoplasm; its diagnosis is histological. Its treatment is essentially surgical. The prognosis is usually favorable without recurrence.