INCIPIENT ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA MIMICKING TRAUMATIC ULCER

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the main histological type of oral cancer and is usually diagnosed at a late stage. The most common clinical feature is an infiltrating and chronic ulcer with hardened edges. However, it can present other manifestations, mimicking different conditions. Case report: Two Caucasians patients, smokers, 53 and 59 years old, were referred, complaining of tongue sores. Upon clinical examination, superficial ulcers were observed on the posterior lateral border of the tongue. The main diagnostic hypothesis was traumatic ulcers. However, as no improvement was observed after polishing of the cusps (case 1) and extraction (case 2), incisional biopsies were performed and revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Partial glossectomy, neck dissection, and radiotherapy were performed. The two cases exemplify the importance of a correct diagnosis, especially for oral lesions that mimic non-neoplastic processes. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the main histological type of oral cancer and is usually diagnosed at a late stage. The most common clinical feature is an infiltrating and chronic ulcer with hardened edges. However, it can present other manifestations, mimicking different conditions. Case report: Two Caucasians patients, smokers, 53 and 59 years old, were referred, complaining of tongue sores. Upon clinical examination, superficial ulcers were observed on the posterior lateral border of the tongue. The main diagnostic hypothesis was traumatic ulcers. However, as no improvement was observed after polishing of the cusps (case 1) and extraction (case 2), incisional biopsies were performed and revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Partial glossectomy, neck dissection, and radiotherapy were performed. The two cases exemplify the importance of a correct diagnosis, especially for oral lesions that mimic non-neoplastic processes.