Question
Patient Inquiry: The onset time is unknown, with no symptoms, and a pink bump was found on the base of the tongue by chance. Initially, it was diagnosed as a papilloma and required surgical removal. The excised tissue showed a thin film covering, with calcified tissue inside, similar to tooth structure. The doctor later diagnosed it as calcifying epithelioma. Would you please confirm if it is a calcifying epithelioma, and can calcifying epithelioma grow on the tongue?
Answer
Calcifying epithelioma is a tumor derived from the differentiation of epidermal prickle cells, containing alkaline cells and shadow cells. In new lesions, alkaline cells are more abundant, while in older lesions, they are less or completely absent. This type of lesion usually occurs in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue of the skin and is considered a deep-seated benign tumor. Calcifying epithelioma rarely occurs on the tongue.