The Clinical and Histologic Presentation of Gingival Squamous Cell Carcinoma: a Study of 519 Cases

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.