Cannibalistic Cell as a Marker for Relapse in Oral Cancer: A Case Report with Brief Review on Potential Risk Factors for Relapse

Abstract

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), a grave debilitating disease besides causing structural abnormalities, it harms patient’s quality of life as well. Several pathological parameters can predict the survival and prognosis of OSCC. Cell Cannibalism (CC), a distinctive morphological feature have already been explored and proved in various malignancies. However, cannibalistic cells are often ignored during routine histopathological assessment of head and neck OSCC and have not been extensively studied. The authors present a case report of a 64-year-old, female, OSCC patient with uncontrolled diabetes, in which many cannibalistic cells was observed on slide evaluation. On further examination a Histologic Tumour Thickness (HTT) of 8 mm and a depth of invasion of 6 mm was noted, which again can foretell an adverse prognosis. Subsequently, patient was referred and managed at a cancer centre but a regular postoperative evaluation was scheduled in the institute for better patient care. Interpreting and understanding these risk factors and being more empathetic towards the patient, will not only help in postoperative evaluation but also ensure a better quality of life thereafter.

Keywords

• cell cannibalism
• prognosis
• squamous cell carcinoma