Introduction <p>We report a case of peripheral extraosseous ameloblastoma in a female patient presenting with a soft-tissue growth on the lingual mandibular region, initially resembling a granulomatous lesion. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis. This rare tumor (1–5% of cases) must be considered in differential diagnosis of oral soft tissue swellings.</p> Case presentation <p>A 28-year-old female of Indian origin presented to our department with a complaint of growth in the left lingual aspect of the mandible. The growth is papillary in appearance with no evident radiographic changes. The growth was provisionally diagnosed as peripheral giant cell granuloma. However biopsy and immunohistochemistry pertaining to cytokeratin 19 is suggestive of extraosseous ameloblastoma.</p> Conclusion <p>Case reports such as this emphasize the importance of including peripheral extraosseous ameloblastoma in the differential diagnosis of oral soft-tissue growths to ensure accurate identification and management.</p>