A case of well‑differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in an extraction socket

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinomas of the gingiva make up a significant percentage of oral squamous cell carcinomas and are one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Cancers of the gingiva often escape early detection, and hence an early intervention, since their initial signs and symptoms resemble common dental and periodontal infections. This article presents a case of a 29-year-old female patient who presented with a non-healing wound for about 1.5 months post-extraction. The wound was associated with pain and suppuration. A provisional diagnosis of alveolar osteitis was derived at with a differential diagnosis of osteomyelitis and carcinoma of the alveolus. The patient was advised a complete hemogram, orthopantomograph, and intra-oral periapical radiograph of the extraction socket. An incisional biopsy was carried out. Radiographs revealed extensive bone loss, and the biopsy report confirmed the diagnosis of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the alveolus. Carcinoma of the gingiva often mimics inflammatory lesions and hence is often misdiagnosed. Therefore, any oral lesion should strike a chord of suspicion, and practitioners should base their diagnosis on careful examination, and valid evidence.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Left Buccal Alveolar Ridge

“…In parts of Southeast Asia, the incidence and prevalence of oral cancer are rising due to the increase in the use of tobacco, betel nuts, and hookah or lime to form a quid. The annual incidence rates of development of potentially malignant disorders were found to be 1.1-2.4/1000 in males and 0.2-1.3/1000 in females [3].…”

Immunoexpression of programmed cell death 4 protein in normal oral mucosa, oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma

“…Similar results were observed in research studies based on cancer. [ 4 8 20 ] A possible reason may be the higher incidence of tobacco consumption in various forms by men than women. Annual statistics in India has revealed that the risks of developing malignant disorders are more in men than in women.…”

“…Annual statistics in India has revealed that the risks of developing malignant disorders are more in men than in women. [ 20 ] Upon evaluation of age in cases of both men and women, it was observed that the mean age in patients with OED and OSCC was more than 50 years. The previous research studies on epidemiological patterns of oral cancer have made some similar observations.…”

“…Literature survey also indicated that these sites were among the most commonly affected regions observed in patients with OED and OSCC patients. [ 1 20 22 ]…”