Tumour or Tooth? A Case of Missed Tooth Aspiration

Abstract

Aspiration of teeth is a rare, potentially fatal complication of tracheal intubation. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing further complications. Interpretation of the physical examination and radiographic evidence together with a high degree of suspicion are necessary to achieve early diagnosis of foreign body aspiration. We examine one such case of a misdiagnosed tooth in lung event.

An Aspirated Tooth Masquerading As Lung Cancer: A Unique Case Report

“…Tooth aspiration is a rare yet potentially fatal complication of maxillofacial procedures, traumatic injuries, and tracheal intubation [ 1 ]. Though rare in healthy adults, it poses significant challenges in diagnosis due to its varied presentations, often mimicking other respiratory ailments such as pneumonia, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, or even occult malignancies.…”