Angioleiomyoma of the Lower Lip Clinically Mimicking a Mucocele

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Angioleiomyoma is a benign vascular smooth muscle tumor that rarely occurs in the oral cavity, particularly in the lower lip. Because of its nonspecific clinical presentation, it is frequently mistaken for more common benign lesions such as mucoceles. A 58-year-old woman presented with a painless, well-circumscribed submucosal mass of the lower lip that had gradually increased in size. The overlying mucosa was intact without discoloration, ulceration, or tenderness, and the lesion was clinically diagnosed as a mucocele. Excisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia with careful surgical planning to preserve lip contour and symmetry. Histopathologic examination revealed a well-circumscribed proliferation of interlacing smooth muscle bundles arranged around variably sized vascular channels, consistent with angioleiomyoma. No cellular atypia or mitotic activity was identified. The postoperative course was uneventful, and at 6-month follow-up there was no evidence of recurrence or functional impairment. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of lower lip angioleiomyoma because of its close resemblance to common benign lesions. Histopathologic examination remains essential for definitive diagnosis. Complete surgical excision provides both accurate diagnosis and excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes.