Perplexing presentation of squamous cell carcinoma as gingival lesion

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant epithelial neoplasm, and the gingiva is the third most common site when the oral SCCs are concerned. The diagnosis of such gingival lesions is confusing because of its variable and chronic inflammatory lesion-like presentation. Because of its benign features, early detection is difficult, which reduces the high cure rate. A 50-year-old female patient was reported with a 4-month history of painless gingival overgrowth in the maxillary palatal aspect in relation to 21–24 with evident right submandibular lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis was made on the basis of a thorough history of the patient, clinical examination, and histopathological findings. The patient was referred for contrast-enhanced computed tomography to record the extent of metastasis, and the decision of surgical excision of the lesion was taken.

Keywords

• contrast-enhanced computed tomography
• gingiva
• malignant neoplasm
• squamous cell carcinoma