Oral carcinoma of the anterior hard palate: an unusual presentation

Précis

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant disease of the oral cavity. It usually affects individuals over 50 years of age, with a history of tobacco or alcohol abuse, or both. This case report highlights the unusual presentation of an SCC in a young 22-year-old male. He was a non-smoker, social alcohol drinker, and was generally fit and well. Alongside the fact that this young patient had none of the usual risk factors for oral cancer, the abnormal lesion discovered on his anterior palate did not resemble a typical oral SCC. It was found in proximity to the maxillary central incisors, which had previously suffered trauma. Clinical and histopathological findings, and treatment, are discussed.

Journal of the Irish Dental Association 2014/2015; 60 (6): 293-297

Dr Lisa Walshe
BA BDentSc (TCD) MFDS (RCSI)
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Registrar, St James’s Hospital, Dublin

Dr Osama Omar
Senior Lecturer/Consultant in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Dublin Dental University Hospital

Dr Denise MacCarthy
Senior Lecturer/Consultant Restorative Dentistry/Periodontology, Dublin Dental University Hospital

Prof. Leo F.A. Stassen
Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, St James’s Hospital

Corresponding author: Prof. Leo F.A. Stassen
National Maxillofacial Unit, Dublin Dental School and Hospital, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2.
E: leo.stassen@dental.tcd.ie