A delayed and difficult diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) may present with similar signs and symptoms of common conditions of the oral cavity. Even for experienced clinicians, this can make diagnosis challenging and delayed. With a reported 2.5% increase in death for every week that diagnosis, and therefore treatment, is delayed, early diagnosis is imperative. We report a diagnostically challenging case of a 47-year-old fit and healthy male patient who presented with a non-healing socket following the extraction of a misdiagnosed periodontally involved mandibular third molar. Following multiple visits to both primary and secondary care, alongside various investigations, eventually a diagnosis of SCC of the mandibular alveolus was established. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This case raises awareness of the varied presentations of oral SCCs and the importance of considering a malignant cause despite the presentation being similar to that of common oral conditions, such as a non-healing socket.