[Carcinoma in situ of soft palate]

A case of carcinoma in situ in the soft palate in a 46-year-old man, heavy smoker, is presented. Six month's previously the patients own dentist discovered a rash in the soft palate, but no biopsy was taken until 6 months later when the patient was referred to the Dental Department, University Hospital, Copenhagen. The patient was referred to an oncologic department for evaluation. As radiation therapy was not indicated, surgery was performed. This included removal of the soft palate, tonsil and tonsil fossae. The patient had a palate plate done to relieve problems with swallowing. Patients with a long history of heavy smoking and oral lesions with suspicion for malignancy should always immediately after recognition of the lesion have more intensive examination and this should include a biopsy to establish a reliable diagnosis.