SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA PRESENTED AS EXOPHYTIC GROWTH IN GINGIVA

A 49-year-old woman was referred to the clinic complaining of "gum pain." Anamnesis revealed chronic smoking for 32 years, diabetes mellitus, and renal lithiasis. Extraoral examination was irrelevant. Intraoral examination revealed ulcerated exophytic growth in the edentulous region corresponding to the inferior incisors, covered by pseudomembrane, firm to palpation, with irregular borders and contours, approximately 1.5 cm in diameter, and with about 2 months of evolution. The onset occurred after extraction of the lower incisors. Diagnostic hypotheses were squamous cell carcinoma and granulomatous infection. Incisional biopsy was performed. Histopathologic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was referred for cancer treatment. Oral squamous cell carcinoma in gingiva associated with dental mobility can be erroneously diagnosed as periodontal disease.