ORAL CARCINOMA IN A PATIENT WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis, vasculopathy, and inflammation. SSc's disease-related characteristics include skin tightness, puffy fingers, open ulcers, and multi-organ involvement. Studies have also identified a higher risk for the development of malignancy in SSc patients. A 56-year-old woman with SSc presented an asymptomatic white plaque of 20 × 25 mm in the right lower lip. Medical history revealed a previous diagnosis of breast cancer and current diagnosis of colorectal cancer. An incisional biopsy was performed, and histological examination showed architectural and cytological atypia of the full epithelial thickness, consistent with those of a severe, in situ dysplasia/carcinoma. The patient was referred to oncology services. Early localized stage diagnosis of in situ carcinoma of the oral cavity brings more favorable prognosis with better overall management, especially in individuals with SSc who presented systemic overlapping complications. Funding: CAPES. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis, vasculopathy, and inflammation. SSc's disease-related characteristics include skin tightness, puffy fingers, open ulcers, and multi-organ involvement. Studies have also identified a higher risk for the development of malignancy in SSc patients. A 56-year-old woman with SSc presented an asymptomatic white plaque of 20 × 25 mm in the right lower lip. Medical history revealed a previous diagnosis of breast cancer and current diagnosis of colorectal cancer. An incisional biopsy was performed, and histological examination showed architectural and cytological atypia of the full epithelial thickness, consistent with those of a severe, in situ dysplasia/carcinoma. The patient was referred to oncology services. Early localized stage diagnosis of in situ carcinoma of the oral cavity brings more favorable prognosis with better overall management, especially in individuals with SSc who presented systemic overlapping complications. Funding: CAPES.