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Published on: July 25, 2011
Invasive Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Mimicking a Dentoalveolar Abscess: Report of a Case in a 14-Year-Old Patient
Mark D Stevenson1, Craig A Dunlap1, Michelle Shin2
1Department of Endodontics, University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, California.
Introduction:
A diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma in adolescent patients is extremely rare. When an oral squamous cell carcinoma lesion arises near the teeth and/or periodontium, it can be easily misdiagnosed as an inflammatory condition of endodontic or periodontal origin.
Methods:
This is a case report of an otherwise healthy 14-year-old patient who was referred for endodontic evaluation and treatment of a soft-tissue swelling in the anterior maxilla.
Results:
The unexpected definitive diagnosis of invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma underscores the importance of proper diagnostic testing.
Conclusions:
Accurate interpretation of pulp testing results, periapical and cone beam computed tomography imaging, timely biopsy, and prompt definitive treatment are critical when a lesion of nonodontogenic origin is suspected.
