A case of poorly-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma following dental extractions

Gingival squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are relatively rare and make up approximately 10% of oral squamous cell carcinomas.1 The initial signs and symptoms of a gingival SCC can resemble common dental and periodontal infections and hence it is usually diagnosed late with a relatively poor prognosis. This report presents a case of a healthy 39-year-old patient who attended for routine wisdom teeth extractions, and returned to the emergency department complaining of progressive trismus and paraesthesia of the lower lip. A provisional diagnosis of osteomyelitis was made. However, further clinical, radiographic and histopathological investigations resulted in the diagnosis of poorly-differentiated SCC. CPD/Clinical Relevance: A series of misdiagnoses were made by specialists and by general dental and medical practitioners; this case highlights the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of oral carcinoma and appropriate subsequent management.