Maxillary squamous cell carcinoma: diagnosis and evolution of an inoperable case

Resumo

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant neoplasia,
originating from the oral lining epithelium, responsible for approximately
90-95% of malignancies in this location. Incidence and mortality
rates for oral SCC may vary due to personal habits, socioeconomic
characteristics, environmental factors and quality of health care. This
study reports the aggressive evolution of SCC with a delayed diagnosis
and the impossibility of immediate curative therapy. Case report: A
47-year-old brown male patient, smoker and drinker was referred
by a primary health care center to the Stomatology Clinic at UFPR
(Federal University of Paraná). The diagnosis of well-differentiated
SCC was confirmed by histopathological examination. The patient
was referred to a specialized service where an oncology team defined
the case as inoperable due to lung function limitations and advanced
tumor staging. The patient underwent lung physiotherapy sessions
until reaching clinical conditions to undergo oncologic therapy which
included radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Conclusion: The reported case
highlights the importance of establishing an early diagnosis for SCC.
There is a need of facilitating and speeding the access to both health
care services and information that lead patients to seek professional
assistance as soon as the first disease signs appear.