Although elastofibromatous changes have been sporadically documented in extra-oral locations such as the subscapular region (elastofibroma dorsi), their occurrence within the oral cavity remains infrequently reported and poorly understood.
Clinical recognition and characterization of oral elastofibromatous lesions are often challenging due to their subtle clinical presentation, nonspecific appearance, and overlap with more common reactive or neoplastic soft tissue lesions.
In this article, we present a meticulously documented case of an OEFL located at the tip of the tongue in an 83-year-old male patient — a diagnosis initially considered to be irritation fibroma or other benign soft tissue neoplasms based on clinical appearance.
The lesion was asymptomatic, distinctly smooth-surfaced, yellowish-white, and well-demarcated, measuring only a few millimeters in diameter.
Surgical excision under local anesthesia with subsequent histopathological evaluation, including specific elastic fiber staining techniques, confirmed the diagnosis of an elastofibromatous lesion.
Beyond presenting the clinical and histopathological features of this rare entity, this work integrates a comprehensive review of the English-language literature on oral elastofibromatous lesions.
Through synthesis of previously reported cases, we aim to elucidate the clinical spectrum, diagnostic challenges, histological hallmarks, differential diagnosis considerations, and outcome profiles of OEFLs.
Enhanced awareness and understanding of this elusive condition are essential for clinicians and oral pathologists alike, as accurate identification can prevent misdiagnosis and avoid unnecessary aggressive management approaches.
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