Metastasis of Breast Cancer to the Mandibular Gingiva: Report of a Rare Case

Abstract

Metastatic tumors to the oral cavity are rare and account for only 1% of all oral cavity malignancies, and if occurs, it involves the jaws rather than the soft tissue. Diagnosis of a metastatic lesion in gingiva can be challenging owing to its rarity and atypical appearance. In this paper, we describe a rare case of breast cancer metastasis to the gingival soft tissue of mandible. A 68-year-old female referred to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery with the chief complaint of a painful mass in the right buccal and lingual anterior region of the mandible with the mobility of the involved teeth. The patient also reported the history of a breast cancer dating back to eight years ago. Histopathologic findings and immunohistochemistry results supported a metatatic lesion. As a result, it is important to have a great clinical suspicion to diagnose such lesions in order to receive the most proper treatment to patients as soon as possible.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• gingiva
• metastasis
• oral cavity