Chondroma of the Tongue

Abstract

Lingual chondromas are very rare tumors. It can be assumed that chondromas of the tongue develop from heterotopic embryonal cartilage. Chondromas are usually seen on the lateral borders of the tongue. Because chondrosarcomas can appear in this location, wide excision of the lesions should be performed. The CO2 laser facilitates the excision, providing a dry surgical field. Two cases of lingual chondroma are presented and their probable cause discussed.