Choristomas are lesions composed of normal cells or tissues occurring in an abnormal location. Cartilaginous choristomas of the oral mucosa are rare and occur preferentially on the tongue and less often in sites such as the soft palate and gingiva. Oral lesions are generally covered by integral mucosa and can occur at any age. The present study describes a case of a 73-year-old female presenting with an asymptomatic cartilaginous choristoma on the ventral surface of the tongue which had developed over a period of 3 years. The clinical presentation and management of the case are discussed and the literature is reviewed. This is the 28th reported case of a cartilaginous choristoma of the tongue and the third with a ventral localisation.