Benign Metastasizing Leiomyoma (BML) diagnosed in the setting of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) is a rare entity characterized by well-differentiated leiomyomas at sites distant from the uterus, representing a rare form of a histological benign tumor with metastasizing behavior. BML is usually diagnosed incidentally, with multiple pulmonary nodules being found in women of reproductive age, usually with previous history of hysterectomy or uterine leiomyoma. In this clinical case, the patient is a 47-year-old woman recently diagnosed with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. The tumor was surgically removed and imaging was performed for staging. CT chest scan revealed three round, well-defined, subpleural nodules (one of them presenting as a cavitary lesion) of uncertain etiology. CT guided biopsy was done and a diagnosis of BML was made. This represents an uncommon incidental diagnosis of BML during cancer staging work-up, in a patient who had no previous clinical history of uterine leiomyomas and/or previous hysterectomy.