Multinucleated Giant Cell Reaction in Well-differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Oral Cavity

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common oral cancer and presents with diverse histopathological features based on the degree of differentiation. Major component of well- differentiated SCC includes keratinizing islands of dysplastic squamous epithelial cells and dense inflammatory response.[1] Keratin component is triggering factor for foreign body multinucleated giant cell (MGC) reaction in the stroma, which may misguide the pathologist to aggressive forms of SCC containing pleomorphic giant cells.[2] The present case aims to produce a suitable information on MGC including their pathogenesis and significance in oral SCC. A 49-year-old male presented with ulcerated growth in the right lateral border of tongue for 2 months. Patient also complained of pain and difficulty in chewing. He was chronic smoker and had a history of chewing tobacco for the past 12years. On examination, ulcerative lesion of 1 cm × 1 cm was shown in the right lateral border of tongue. Biopsy showed well- differentiated SCC. The right hemiglossectomy was done. Microscopic examination showed features of well-differentiated SCC and stroma showed dense mononuclear inflammatory cells with the presence of MGC reaction [Figure 1]. The MGCs were located surrounding the neoplastic cells and near the keratin pearls.