Cuneiform (cuniculatum) variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma revisited: Presentation of two cases and literature review of a rare entity.

BACKGROUND

Oral carcinoma cuniculatum (OCC) is a rare, locally aggressive tumor, which tends to invade underlying bone. We present two cases of OCC, one demonstrating invasion of the mandible and the other limited to the tongue.

METHODS

An 87-year-old male presented with a right-sided buccogingival lesion. Biopsy results led to a diagnosis of verrucous hyperplasia, which was later revised to OCC. Additionally, a 94-year-old female presented with a left lateral tongue lesion. A biopsy showed in-situ and invasive keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma that was later defined as a soft tissue OCC.

RESULTS

Following surgical resection, the diagnosis of OCC was established in both patients. We provide a comprehensive literature review of OCC in the context of both case presentations.

CONCLUSIONS

OCC is a rare entity, which has a tendency to be misdiagnosed. We emphasize the importance of recognizing the common features of OCC in order to aid in accurate diagnosis.