Malignant Neoplasm of the Tongue Mimicking an Oral Pyogenic Granuloma: A Case Report

Abstract

Pyogenic Granuloma (PG) is a benign reactive lesion characterised by tissue hyperplasia caused by local irritants. The gingiva is the most common site of occurrence in the oral cavity, followed by the tongue and buccal mucosa. It typically presents as a pedunculated or sessile mass. Removal of the irritants and complete excision of the lesion from its base usually results in complete resolution. In this case report, the authors present the case of a 44-year-old female patient, who presented to maxillofacial surgeons With complaints of difficulty in eating and speaking due to a large growth on her tongue that had been present for the past year. The mass, which was non-tender and non-indurated, nearly filled the oral cavity. Routine medical examination revealed iron deficiency anaemia, and systemic correction was initiated. Concurrently, the patient underwent surgical excision of the mass, which was initially diagnosed as a PG, under local anaesthesia. However, the final biopsy revealed poorly differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Subsequent radiological investigations revealed extensive local and regional disease spread with metastasis to the upper chest wall. As a result, the patient was advised palliative care by the Institution’s head and neck tumour oncology board.