GINGIVAL NEOPLASMS: A COLLABORATIVE STUDY OF 557 CASES FROM BRAZIL

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to report a large series of gingival neoplasms in Brazil. Study Design Between 2000 and 2020, all cases of gingival neoplasms, both benign and malignant, diagnosed in four Brazilian oral pathology services, were retrieved for the study. Clinical and demographic data, such as age, gender, ethnicity location of the lesion (mandibular or maxillary, anterior or posterior), elementary lesion, type of biopsy performed, clinical diagnoses, and final diagnosis were collected from each laboratory's records. Results This study identified 557 cases of gingival neoplasms. There was a predilection for males (54%, n=300). Malignant tumors were more frequent, corresponding to 71% (n=398) of the cases. Squamous cell carcinoma (57%, n=317), sarcomas (5%, n=25), and lymphomas (4%, n=23) were the most prevalent malignant neoplasms. Benign tumors represented 29% (n=159) of diagnosed cases. Squamous cell papilloma (16%, n=91) was the most common benign tumor. Clinically, the gingival tumors usually appeared as a nodule (31%, n=170) or ulcer (25%, n=139). Conclusion Gingival nodules and ulcers may represent a malignant neoplasm. Detailed clinical, radiographic, and histopathological examinations are essential for the early and accurate diagnosis of gingival neoplasms. This study aimed to report a large series of gingival neoplasms in Brazil. Between 2000 and 2020, all cases of gingival neoplasms, both benign and malignant, diagnosed in four Brazilian oral pathology services, were retrieved for the study. Clinical and demographic data, such as age, gender, ethnicity location of the lesion (mandibular or maxillary, anterior or posterior), elementary lesion, type of biopsy performed, clinical diagnoses, and final diagnosis were collected from each laboratory's records. This study identified 557 cases of gingival neoplasms. There was a predilection for males (54%, n=300). Malignant tumors were more frequent, corresponding to 71% (n=398) of the cases. Squamous cell carcinoma (57%, n=317), sarcomas (5%, n=25), and lymphomas (4%, n=23) were the most prevalent malignant neoplasms. Benign tumors represented 29% (n=159) of diagnosed cases. Squamous cell papilloma (16%, n=91) was the most common benign tumor. Clinically, the gingival tumors usually appeared as a nodule (31%, n=170) or ulcer (25%, n=139). Gingival nodules and ulcers may represent a malignant neoplasm. Detailed clinical, radiographic, and histopathological examinations are essential for the early and accurate diagnosis of gingival neoplasms.