Abstract
Non-neoplastic proliferative processes (NNPPs) are reactive lesions frequently found in the oral cavity. Despite their benign nature, some aggressive malignant lesions may mimic those lesions. We report a case of a 64-year-old female with a chief complaint of a painful rapidly growing nodule with bleeding on palpation in the vestibular and palatal gingiva of teeth 11 and 21. Histologic examination showed nests of atypical neoplastic squamous cells infiltrating the connective tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positivity for AE1/AE3, CK5, 34 βE12, p63, p53, and Ki-67 (over 75%) but negativity for CK19. The diagnosis was gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC). The patient was referred to a head and neck surgical service for proper management of the tumor. GSCC is a well-recognized malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity that may clinically mimic an NNPP. It is essential for the clinician to be aware of such a presentation to allow for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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