THE BASALOID VARIANT OF SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN AN UNCOMMON LOCATION

Microscopic aspects of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) are well defined, and its prevalence is rare in the mouth. Current research points to similarity of its course in relation to conventional squamous cell carcinoma; however, there is lack of information about its clinical behavior and prognosis. An 83-year-old male patient complained of a “lump inside the mouth,” noticed 4 months ago. Medical history revealed heart failure, systemic arterial hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, history of stroke, and smoking (2 packs a day) for 30 years, discontinued 20 years ago. In the physical exam, a hardened nodule was observed at the right jugal mucosa, followed by a communication with an ulcer at labial commissure. Both lesions were asymptomatic and increasing, resulting in difficulty feeding. Incisional biopsy revealed a tumor configuration in islets of neoplastic basaloid epithelial cells, corneal pearls, and comedo necrosis with final diagnosis of BSCC. The patient underwent surgery to remove the tumor and is well.