SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN A PATIENT WITHOUT RISK FACTORS: A CASE REPORT

Spin cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common oral malignant neoplasm, and the main risk factor is smoking. The objective of the study is to report an SCC case without risk factors. A 62-year-old female patient, nonsmoker, not elitist, was forwarded to the service for evaluation of lesion that had not healed for 6 months. On intraoral examination, a white, ulcerated lesion with hardened raised edges was observed, located on the side border of the tongue. The incisional biopsy was performed, and the histologic slices revealed epithelial tissue with ulcerated areas and presence of malignant epithelial cells in the shape of islands and cords invading the connective tissue. The diagnosis was compatible with SCC. The patient was referred to an oncologist, with whom the surgical treatment was performed. Detailed physical examination is essential regardless of whether they have risk factors for SCC or not to detect lesions in early stages.