title: Spindle cell carcinoma of the gingiva: A rare occurrence.
abstract: Of the many neoplasms known, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common to affect the oral cavity. Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC) is considered a rare high malignant variant of SCC occurring predominantly in the upper aerodigestive tract. Soft-tissue spindle cell neoplasms are quite uncommon in the oral cavity reportedly accounting for lesser than 1% of all tumors in the oral region. Our case shows an unusual presentation of SpCC involving the mandibular gingiva in a 46-year-old smoker patient, which presented as a firm, erythematous swelling with surface necrosis. An incisional biopsy was performed for microscopic evaluation to confirm the clinical diagnosis and for treatment planning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Anjana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ramamurti
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Madhumathi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Venkataraman
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Malathi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Narasimhan
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Suresh Ranga
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Rao
keywords: Gingiva; smoking; spindle cell carcinoma