2013 Volume 59 Issue 6 Pages 422-426
Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC), a variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is characterized by the growth of basaloid tumor cells. The mandibular gingiva is a rare site of BSCC. We present a case of BSCC of the mandibular gingiva. A 52-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of pain, swelling, and white lesions of the mandible. The lesion was irregularly shaped with induration and extended bilaterally to the gingiva, oral floor, lower lip, and mental region. Since SCC was suggested by a biopsy, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy, and surgical excision was performed under general anesthesia. Microscopically, the tumor had two components, i.e., basaloid cells and squamous cells. The basaloid component consisted of small cells arranged in lobules, cords, and solid masses. On the basis of the histopathologic findings, a final diagnosis of BSCC was made. There has been no sign of recurrence for 4 years 9 months since treatment. BSCC has been reported to be more invasive and metastatic than SCC. Thus, long-term and careful follow-up is necessary in the present patient.
