title: Acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma of the gingiva: report of a case and review of the literature.
abstract: Adenoid squamous cell carcinoma differs from common squamous cell carcinoma in histologic features and its aggressive nature. Microscopically, the tumor shows cystic degeneration of the neoplastic epithelium, producing a prominent alveolar pattern and pseudoglandular structures with acantholytic cells. It occurs most commonly on the lips, rarely intraorally, and it is associated with a poor prognosis. This case concerns a 72-year-old woman who presented with the chief complaint of burning tongue and soreness of the lips. Clinical examination revealed an ulcerated and elevated mass on the edentulous left maxillary ridge, beneath the base of a partial denture. An incisional biopsy rendered the diagnosis of adenoid squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was referred to a specialized maxillofacial surgery center for diagnostic work-up and treatment. She underwent partial maxillectomy and radiotherapy, and 17 months after treatment, she died of uncontrollable recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology and Surgery, Dental School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. erofilpa@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Erofili
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Papadopoulou
authors.forename: Konstantinos I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Tosios
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nikitakis
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Papadogeorgakis
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sklavounou-Andrikopoulou
mesh_terms: D000051:Acantholysis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005887:Gingival Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology*