Verrucous Palatal Lesion Mimicking Candidiasis Revealing Well-Differentiated Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/akbfw433Keywords:
Squamous cell carcinoma; Oral cavity; Biopsy; Computed tomography; Aged.Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (ICD-10 C05.0) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity, associated with high mortality and a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis is essential to improve survival, particularly in older adults. We report the case of a 90-year-old female patient who sought care due to a “palatal mass.” Clinical examination revealed an ulcerated and verrucous lesion on the left maxillary alveolar ridge, initially treated as candidiasis without clinical improvement, which delayed the definitive diagnosis. The progressive enlargement of the lesion led to discontinuation of complete denture use. An incisional biopsy was performed, and histopathological analysis confirmed a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia considered as a differential diagnosis. Computed tomography demonstrated irregular margins and bone involvement, findings consistent with locally invasive tumor behavior. Postoperative healing was uneventful, and the patient was referred for oncologic management through her health insurance system. This case highlights the importance of clinical, radiographic, and histopathological correlation in the diagnosis of suspicious oral lesions, as well as the need for early biopsy of persistent or progressive lesions, particularly in older denture-wearing patients.
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