Sammanfattning
BACKGROUND – Squamous cell carcinoma originating from the oral mucosa is by far the most common type (> 90%) of oral cancer. Oral squamous cell carcinoma has clinically a varied presentation but the typically signs are non-healing ulcerations with raised margins and induration on palpation. There can also be red-, white- and nodular appearances without ulcerations.
CASE STUDY – A 55-year-old woman was referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sydvestjysk Sygehus Esbjerg, for diagnosis and treatment of necrotic bone destruction in the lower jaw after the condition had been treated surgically in private practice. Clinically, the patient
presented with a large ulceration with raised margins and a large destruction of the alveolar process. The Cone Beam CT showed a large destruction of the facial bone in the lower jaw. The patient was referred to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Odense University Hospital on suspicion of oral
squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was included in a treatment process where the diagnose was confirmed by biopsy. The patient was treated surgically, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Five months post-operatively a relapse of the squamous cell carcinoma on the chin was diagnosed. The patient is now receiving palliative treatment.
CONCLUSION – Increased focus on clinical signs of cancer can help minimize “doctor’s delay” so that a diagnose is made sooner after the patient's first consultation with subsequent increase of the likelihood of recovery.