Solitary fibrous tumour of the tongue: a series of four cases.

BACKGROUND: Solitary fibrous tumour is a soft tissue tumour of mesenchymal origin. It was first described in the pleura and has since been reported in many anatomical locations. Thirteen cases in the tongue have hitherto been reported. A positive CD34 result has traditionally been used to confirm the diagnosis, although this is often non-specific to solitary fibrous tumour. To date, nuclear STAT6 expression has not been reported in solitary fibrous tumour of the tongue.

METHOD: This paper presents a further four cases of solitary fibrous tumour of the tongue, the largest series to date. Clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings are detailed, including nuclear STAT6 expression.

RESULTS: All four cases were positive for CD34; two cases showed nuclear expression of STAT6. The tumours were excised completely and there have been no recurrences in at least one year.

CONCLUSION: Solitary fibrous tumour should be considered as a differential diagnosis for tongue swellings, with the potential to recur.