Clinical Study of Squamous Cell Carcinoma as a Result of a Fissured Epulis in Upper Total Edentulous Patient: A Case Report

The fissured epulis is a reactive tissue growth that develops underneath a dental prosthesis. Its etiology is related to removable of partial or total dentures and other irritative or traumatic factors. Oral cancer (CAB) is a malignant neoplasm of aggressive behavior, and it has become one of the most serious health problems worldwide. Currently, squamous cell carcinoma is considered a disease with a high mortality rate. This article aims to describe the clinical management of a squamous cell carcinoma, as a result of a fissured epulis in upper total edentulous patient.

A female patient, 58 years of age, with no systemic or family history, went for a lower removable prosthesis. The clinical examination in the maxilla presented an enlargement of soft tissue in the bottom of the vestibule on the left side, asymptomatic, compatible with a fissured epulis. Two surgical procedures were performed to remove the pathology and a sample was taken to perform a biopsy, which resulted in a squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was referred to a center specialized in cancer treatments (Society for the Fight Against Cancer) where she currently is receiving the attention of the case.

The lack of knowledge of this injury on the part of the patient, and the lack of symptomatology, absence of periodic controls, maladjustment, and incorrect prosthetic design were the risk factors that triggered the injury.