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A case of proliferative myositis of the masseter muscle in a 62‐year‐old woman is presented and pertinent literature is reviewed. This benign pseudosarcomatous proliferative lesion has not been previously reported in any of the muscles of mastication. Clinically the patient presented with pain and difficulty in opening of the mouth. On initial examination, a malignant salivary gland tumor was suspected. The proliferative myositis exhibits a disturbing microscopic appearance characterized by the presence of numerous hyperchromatic fibroblasts and oval or spindle‐shaped giant cells which resemble malignant rhabdomyoblasts. These lesions have been often misdiagnosed as rhabdomyosarcoma and other types of sarcomas. Awareness of the microscopic characteristics of proliferative myositis and the possibility of its occurrence in the perioral soft tissues is important in avoiding misdiagnosis of this benign condition.

Since the initial lesions of pemphigus vulgaris often appear in the oral cavity, dentists have a major role in the recognition and diagnosis of this condition. The patient reported here was seen with a mild gingival form of the disease and has been managed successfully for the past 6 years without systemic steroids and with minimal topical steroid therapy. For most of that period he was managed without medication. Various aspects of the disease, including diagnosis, the significance of pemphigus antibodies and therapy are reviewed to provide a better perspective on this case.

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