Oral carcinoma cuniculatum in a young child

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Pediatric oncology
• Maxillofacial surgery

Background:

• Oral carcinoma cuniculatum is an exceptionally rare verrucous carcinoma.
• Pediatric oral cancers are exceedingly uncommon, particularly in children under 15.

Observation:

• A 7-year-old female presented with an enlarged gingival mass on the anterior maxilla.
• The tumor required an extensive anterior maxillectomy and prosthetic reconstruction.

Findings:

• This case represents the youngest patient diagnosed with oral carcinoma cuniculatum in medical literature.
• Surgical management was complicated by the patient's age and the need for extensive resection and reconstruction.

Implications:

• This case highlights the challenges in managing rare pediatric oral malignancies.
• Multidisciplinary care and innovative prosthetic solutions are crucial for optimizing outcomes in young patients with extensive defects.