title: Nonhealing extraction sites: two case reports and a differential diagnosis.
abstract: Two cases of squamous cell carcinoma associated with third molars are presented. The diagnosis for both cases was made after the teeth were removed. The presenting signs and symptoms are discussed, along with the differential diagnosis of slow healing, painful third molar extraction sites. This article stresses the importance of close postoperative followup and the need for timely intervention to minimize patient morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Papageorge
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Lincoln
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing