A case of diverticulum-like lesion in the mandibular gingivobuccal fold

Abstract

We report a rare case of a diverticulum-like lesion arising in the mandibular gingivobuccal fold. An 86-year-old man visited his primary care dental clinic to receive dental treatment. Oral examination revealed a pouch-like lesion in the right mandibular gingivobuccal fold. The patient denied any history of trauma or operation around the oral cavity and was not aware of the lesion until the dentist pointed it out. He was referred to our department for examination and treatment. On oral examination, the pouch-like lesion measured 6 mm in length and 5 mm in depth. We diagnosed a diverticulum-like lesion, and it was surgically resected with the patient under local anesthesia. The specimen had a smooth surface, and was elastic and soft. Histopathological examination revealed a cystic lesion lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, and inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the subepithelial layer. The epithelial lining of the cystic lesion was continuous with the buccal mucosa. Based on the clinicopathological findings, we finally diagnosed a diverticulum-like lesion.