WELL-DIFFERENTIATED SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA LOCATED ON THE PALATE: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents about 90% to 95% of the cases of oral cancer, affecting mostly men, from the 4th decade of life. A 64-year-old man, smoker and alcoholic, was admitted to our clinic with nodular lesions and ulcerated and hardened areas in the mucosa of the hard and soft palate, and pain symptoms, with about 9 months of evolution. Incisional biopsy of the lesion was performed with the hypothesis of carcinoma. Histological analysis revealed the proliferation of islands and cords of malignant squamous epithelial cells, infiltrating the underlying connective tissue, cell and nuclear pleomorphism, areas of extensive keratinization forming multiple scales and keratin pearls, and intense chronic inflammatory infiltrate. The diagnosis was well-differentiated SCC. The patient was referred to oncology services and is undergoing clinical follow-up. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents about 90% to 95% of the cases of oral cancer, affecting mostly men, from the 4th decade of life. A 64-year-old man, smoker and alcoholic, was admitted to our clinic with nodular lesions and ulcerated and hardened areas in the mucosa of the hard and soft palate, and pain symptoms, with about 9 months of evolution. Incisional biopsy of the lesion was performed with the hypothesis of carcinoma. Histological analysis revealed the proliferation of islands and cords of malignant squamous epithelial cells, infiltrating the underlying connective tissue, cell and nuclear pleomorphism, areas of extensive keratinization forming multiple scales and keratin pearls, and intense chronic inflammatory infiltrate. The diagnosis was well-differentiated SCC. The patient was referred to oncology services and is undergoing clinical follow-up.