Gingival Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Diagnostic Challenges and Clinical Implications

Area of Science:

• Oral oncology
• Surgical pathology

Background:

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent and invasive malignancy, with gingival SCC representing a significant subgroup.
• Gingival SCC often presents with symptoms mimicking inflammatory periodontal conditions, potentially delaying diagnosis and worsening prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of gingival squamous cell carcinoma in a patient without traditional risk factors.
• To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management of gingival SCC.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation of a 48-year-old female with a 3-month history of jaw pain and a proliferative gingival lesion.
• Diagnostic workup included excisional biopsy, confirming well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.
• Treatment involved surgical excision with segmental mandibulectomy and selective neck dissection.

Main Results:

• A diagnosis of well-differentiated gingival squamous cell carcinoma was established.
• The patient underwent successful surgical treatment and remains recurrence-free at 1.5 years post-treatment.
• No identifiable risk factors were associated with this case.

Conclusions:

• Early identification of gingival SCC is critical for timely treatment initiation.
• Prompt management can prevent metastasis and improve the overall prognosis for patients with this malignancy.