Pigmented Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue: a Case Report

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the mouth. Several histopathologic variants of SCC have been reported, including pigmented SCC (PSCC). To the best of our knowledge, only 16 cases have been described in the literature. The objective of this study was to present a case of PSCC and discuss the differential diagnoses. A 70-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of an ulcerated and pigmented lesion on the right border of the tongue, present since 3 months prior. According to clinical features, our main diagnostic hypotheses were PSCC and melanoma. The histopathologic features were proliferation of atypical squamous cells with melanin and dendritic melanocytes without atypia, leading to the final diagnosis of PSCC. A partial glossectomy and neck dissection were performed. The patient is asymptomatic 4 months later. In conclusion, the histopathologic features were important considerations to avoid misdiagnosis of melanoma.