Spindle Cell Lesions in Oral Cavity

Spindle cell lesions of the oral cavity are a heterogeneous group of reactive, benign, and malignant conditions characterized histologically by elongated, spindle-shaped cells resembling fibroblasts or myofibroblasts. They may arise from mesenchymal, epithelial, neural, or muscular origin. Common examples include fibroma, nodular fasciitis, schwannoma, leiomyoma, and malignant entities such as spindle cell carcinoma and fibrosarcoma. Clinically, they often present as painless masses or ulcerated swellings. Diagnosis requires histopathology and immunohistochemistry (e.g., vimentin, S-100, cytokeratin) to determine lineage and guide management.