Invasive Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Mimicking a Dentoalveolar Abscess: Report of a Case in a 14-Year-Old Patient

A diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma in adolescent patients is extremely rare. When an oral squamous cell carcinoma lesion arises near the teeth and/or periodontium, it can be easily misdiagnosed as an inflammatory condition of endodontic or periodontal origin. This is a case report of an otherwise healthy 14-year-old patient who was referred for endodontic evaluation and treatment of a soft-tissue swelling in the anterior maxilla. The unexpected definitive diagnosis of invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma underscores the importance of proper diagnostic testing. Accurate interpretation of pulp testing results, periapical and cone beam computed tomography imaging, timely biopsy, and prompt definitive treatment are critical when a lesion of nonodontogenic origin is suspected.