BackgroundSquamous cell carcinoma is a malignant epithelial neoplasm characterized
by variable clinical manifestations. When located in the gingiva, this
neoplasm may mimic common inflammatory lesions. The aim of this study
was to report a case of atypical squamous cell carcinoma, in which the
patient had no risk factors for the development of this neoplasm.MethodsA 61 year old Caucasian female was seen with a 3 month history of a rapidly
growing, painful nodule in the gingiva adjacent to tooth #11. Clinical
examination revealed a proliferative lesion in the vestibular marginal
gingiva of teeth #11 and #12, presenting with purulent exudation. Thus,
in view of the clinical symptoms and differential diagnosis of an
infectious granulomatous process and malignant neoplasm, an incisional
biopsy was obtained from the lesion.ResultsThe diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was made and fourteen days after
incisional biopsy, healing was found to be unsatisfactory. The patient
was referred for treatment consisting of surgical excision of the
tumour. A removable partial denture was fabricated for rehabilitation,
one month after surgery of the maxilla; the patient was submitted to
dissection of the regional lymph nodes and radiotherapy for an
additional 3 months. Three years after the end of treatment, the patient
continues to be followed-up and does not show any sign of recurrence.ConclusionsGingival squamous cell carcinoma is a condition which chance of cure is
higher when carcinomatous lesions are diagnosed and treated early. In
this instance dentists play an important role in early detection of
gingival squamous cell carcinoma.