Metastatic tumour of the oral cavity – Report of a case

Abstract

The oral region is an uncommon site for metastatic tumour cell colonization and is usually evidence of a widespread disease. Based on the numerous isolated case reports and large case series published by van der Waal RIF et al (2003) & Hirshberg A et al (2008), oral metastasis was found to be the first sign of the metastatic spread in 25 % of cases and was the first indication of an undiscovered malignancy at a distant site in 23 % cases. Because of its rarity & deceiving clinical presentation, the diagnosis of a metastatic lesion in the oral region is challenging, both to the clinician and to the pathologist. Recognition of such lesions & determination of primary site is important for early treatment instillation. This article aims to present a case of oral metastases as afirst indication of undiscovered malignancy at a distant site. Keywords: Oral metastasis, Primary tumour, Distant carcinoma.