ABSTRACT
Gingival enlargements are frequently encountered in dental practice. There are different
types of gingival enlargements and they vary according to the etiologic factors and
pathologic processes that produce them. The exact diagnosis of the enlargement is
important as some gingival enlargements can cause extensive morbidity or even mortality.
Oral cancers especially squamous cell carcinomas present with variations in clinical
presentation and the sites affected. A detailed medical history, clinical examination
and radiographic evaluation will help identify the lesion. A biopsy will help provide
a definitive diagnosis. An early diagnosis and treatment of squamous cell carcinomas
is important as these tumours have a propensity for invasion of adjacent tissues and
distant lymphatic metastasis which leads to a worsened prognosis. In this case report,
the diagnosis and management of squamous cell carcinoma masquerading as a gingival
overgrowth in the mandibular anterior region in a renal patient is reported. Dentists
need to be aware and alert of the possibility of squamous cell carcinoma presenting
on sites such as gingiva thereby preventing extensive morbidity and even mortality
in these patients.
Key words:
Gingival overgrowth - oral cancer - renal patient - squamous cell carcinoma
