The clinical and histologic presentation of gingival squamous cell carcinoma: a study of 519 cases

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology Vol. 114; no. 4; pp. 509 - 515
• Main Authors: Fitzpatrick, Sarah G., DDS, Neuman, Ashley N., DDS, Cohen, Donald M., DMD, MS, MBA, Bhattacharyya, Indraneel, DDS, MSD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01-10-2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Biopsy; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology; Dentistry; Dermatology; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Gingival Neoplasms - pathology; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Retrospective Studies; Surgery; Tumors of the skin and soft tissue. Premalignant lesions; Symptomatology; Skin disease; Squamous cell carcinoma; Basal cell carcinoma; Histology; Malignant tumor; Gingiva; Cancer
• ISSN: 2212-4403; 2212-4411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2012.06.018

Objectives Gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) often presents with benign features, which may lead to delay in treatment. This study describes the clinical and histologic characteristics of a series of gingival SCCA cases. Study Design A retrospective consecutive case review was performed using the University of Florida College of Dentistry Biopsy service's database, which yielded clinical and histologic information on 519 cases of gingival SCCA. Results The average age of affected patients was 72.3 years. The most common site was the mandibular posterior gingiva. Approximately 72% of lesions were present for >2 months at biopsy. The majority of clinicians considered a malignancy in their differential diagnosis (64%), although 15% considered only reactive lesions. Most of the carcinomas presented as exophytic masses and, histologically, were moderately differentiated. Conclusions Gingival SCCA may present with varied clinical and histologic appearances and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of benign appearing lesions of the gingiva.