Hypervascular floor of mouth tumor: Rare presentation of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy affecting the oral cavity and commonly presents as an exophytic lesion with red or white granular ulcerations. Most diagnoses are confirmed by biopsy and clinical features; however, early SCC has been shown to hide within benign appearing lesions, such as vascular tumors, resulting in missed diagnoses and delay in treatment. The following case report will discuss a patient who presented with a mass in the floor of the mouth which appeared as a vascular tumor on exam and imaging. This was originally thought to be benign based on FNA findings however was found to harbor invasive squamous cell carcinoma on final pathology. The goal of this case report is to provide a background on the variable presentations of OSCC, vascular tumors, and uncommon presentations for which specialists should be aware of in their practice.

Automated summary

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a common malignancy in the oral cavity, often appearing as exophytic lesions. However, early stage SCC can hide within benign lesions, leading to missed diagnoses and delayed treatment. This case report highlights the importance of recognizing variable presentations of OSCC and vascular tumors for specialists in their practice.