Asymptomatic and painful ulcerated lesions on the lip and tongue

The presence of multiple primary oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in a single patient is rare in dental practice. A 63-year-old man was referred for evaluation of a single tongue lesion. No lymphadenopathy was detected on extraoral examination. However, multiple asymptomatic ulcerated and crusted lesions were observed on the vermilion border of the lower lip. The intraoral examination revealed an extensive, painful endophytic ulcer of 3 months' duration on the right lateral border of the tongue. No additional findings were observed. Incisional biopsies were performed, and the histopathologic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of SCCs. The patient was referred for oncologic therapy. Surgery was the treatment of choice for both the extraoral and intraoral lesions. No disease was found after 5 months of follow-up. Although uncommon, multiple oral SCC lesions can appear to be clinically similar to deep infectious disease. Metachronous tumors were diagnosed in this patient in light of the probable course of onset of the lesions. A rigorous clinical examination that includes the lips is essential to make an accurate diagnosis and refer the patient for appropriate treatment.