Squamous cell carcinoma of the superior gingivolabial sulcus

The superior gingivolabial sulcus has not been recognised as a separate entity in the oral cavity for the localisation of carcinoma. These cancers are not uncommonly labelled as buccal carcinomas or as carcinomas originating from the superior alveolar process and sometimes as maxillary sinus carcinomas. Early symptoms of sensory disturbances are often missed. Although cervical nodal metastasis is not usual at first presentation, metastasis to parapharyngeal, retropharyngeal and nasolabial lymph nodes is known. This article presents the author's observations on carcinoma of the superior gingivolabial sulcus seen over a period of 4 years. Cancer at this site has poor prognosis. Despite aggressive treatment with radical locoregional surgery and postoperative radiotherapy, only one of nine patients survived 5 years.