Impaction of third molars and localized cancer of the oral cavity: A simple occasional finding? A retrospective case series and literature review - 12/03/25
, Bussani R, Maglione MAbstract |
Objectives |
The aim of this study is to analyze, through a literature review and the description of four clinical cases, whether prolonged tooth impaction may represent a trigger for the onset of oral carcinoma.
Materials e methods |
In this report, four cases of patients needing the extraction of third molars in complete mucosal or bone impaction are described, which, due to the presence of an unusual radiographic and/or clinical aspect, were found to represent cases of oral carcinomas on histologic analysis. Patients were then referred to the ENT department for further care. A review of the literature has been performed as well.
Results |
Literature analysis revealed the presence of only few case reports on the topic, suggesting therefore a lack of evidence on the correlation between tooth impaction and the onset of oral carcinomas.
Conclusions |
Further studies are needed in order to give valid hypotheses. The concept of inflammation, that is at the base of oral carcinogenesis mechanism and tooth-related pathologies, such as pericoronitis, may be a common substrate to link these two phenomena.
Clinical relevance |
A thorough analysis of the radiographic and clinical signs is strongly recommended prior and during surgical procedures, such as tooth extraction.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Oral cancer, Oral inflammation, Pericoronitis, Third molar extraction
Plan
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?