Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma revealed by gingival metastases

Abstract

Oral soft tissue metastases may be presented as rapidly progressive hyperplasic growths mimicking benign processes. Gingival metastases from pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma are extremely rare and have poor prognosis. We report in this publication a case of a 65-year-old male patient, presenting asarcomatoid carcinoma of the right upper pulmonary lobe. Clinical examination found a gingival swelling initially considered as a benign lesion. Gingival biopsy showed aspects of undifferentiated sarcomatoid carcinoma of pulmonary origin according to the immunohistochemical staining. Even rarely described, benign-mimiking lesions may be the first sign of an aggressive underlying malignancy, and, therefore, periodontists should be vigilant. Any abnormal lesion must be evaluated by histopathological investigations.