Synchronous Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Heterotopic Gastrointestinal Cyst: First Case Report

Abstract

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity. However, its synchronous occurrence with lesions of a different nature is exceedingly rare, particularly arising at the same anatomical site. Heterotopic gastrointestinal cysts (HGICs) are developmental anomalies containing ectopic gastrointestinal epithelium, typically observed in pediatric patients and rarely reported in adults. Objectives: This report describes an unprecedented case of synchronous OSCC and HGIC of the mouth floor, underscoring the critical role of thorough histopathological evaluation for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Description: A 62-year-old man presented with an ulcerated lesion on the right mouth floor. Incisional biopsy followed by histological analysis revealed two distinct lesions: one characterized by a proliferation of atypical squamous cells, consistent with OSCC, and the other by a cystic cavity lined with tall columnar epithelial cells showing basally located nuclei and apical microvilli (brush border), consistent with the diagnosis of HGIC. Definitive treatment included tumor resection and ipsilateral neck dissection. The patient remains under clinical follow-up. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of synchronous OSCC and HGIC at the same site, highlighting the need for individualized therapeutic planning based on the biological behavior of each lesion.

Keywords

Choristoma; Dentistry; Mouth Neoplasms; Oral Pathology; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck.