Metastases from esophageal cancer in the attached gingiva. A case report

Objectives. The authors describe a case of metastatic involvement of the gingiva in a 47-year-old man with a history of esophageal cancer. Materials and methods. Collection of history and clinical data is of considerable importance in the diagnosis of these lesions, since oral metastases may be asymptomatic or associated with pain, ulcers, bleeding, and paresthesia. Panoramic radiography, facial CT, and scintigraphy are important to evaluate and stage the lesions and to select a form of surgical treatment when possible. Results and conclusions. Oral lesions caused by primary tumors of other organs and body areas are unusual, representing less than 1% of all cancers of the oral cavity. Because of their rarity, clinical diagnosis of metastatic tumors in the oral region is not always easy. In accordance with the oncologist and the radiologist, this patient was treated with targeted radiation therapy to reduce the tumor mass and control spontaneous bleeding.