Prostate Metastasis in Oral Malignant Melanoma - A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: Melanoma is the ninth most prevalent and the second most lethal tumour. The aetiology and pathogenesis remain uncertain. It occurs in elderly people, over the fifth decade, and is predominant in males. Clinically, they present as an asymptomatic macular or nodular growth. The prognosis is impacted by the size of the tumour and distant metastases. Patients with distant metastases have a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%, constituting metastasis as the major cause of melanoma-related fatality. Currently, the mainstay of treatment for metastatic melanoma is immunotherapy due to the inoperable state, radioresistant nature of the tumour and high chances of cytotoxicity in chemotherapy. A senile male patient, who was diagnosed with oral malignant melanoma of the maxillary buccopalatal gingiva with distant metastasis to the liver and the prostate, is reported here. Although metastasis to the liver is common among malignant melanomas, in this case metastasis to the prostate gland highlights the rarity.

Prevalence of Histopathologic Types of Gingival Lesions in the Iranian Population: A 22-Year Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: Gingiva is one of the supporting tissues around the teeth that can be affected by various neoplastic or nonneoplastic lesions. Previous studies have examined several types of gingival lesions, but the lack of a standardized classification system has hindered meaningful comparisons. Additionally, many studies focused primarily on reactive lesions. Our study aims to contribute to the understanding of gingival lesions by investigating their prevalence across age groups, genders, sites, and by their clinical presentation. This research could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study explores the prevalence of gingival lesions based on biopsies during a 22-year span. The patient's demographic details, including age, gender, and lesion's clinical presentation were systematically collected. These lesions were categorized into six groups. Descriptive statistics, χ2 test of independence, and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Among the 7668 biopsied lesions, 684 (8.9%) lesions were located in the gingiva, with a greater occurrence in women (63.5%). Soft tissue tumors represented the most prevalent group in the gingival lesions (72.1%), and peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) was the most frequent lesion (21.2%), followed by, pyogenic granuloma (19.3%), peripheral ossifying fibroma (17.8%) and focal fibrous hyperplasia (7.6%); all of which predominantly affected women, with mean ages falling in the fourth decade of life. Squamous cell carcinoma was recognized as the most common malignancy. CONCLUSION: In this study, PGCG was found to be the most common lesion in the gingiva in Iranian population. Further analysis using a unanimous categorization is required to confirm these results.

Gingiva squamous-cell carcinoma in a non-smoking patient with occupational exposure to solvent siphoning using mouth: case report and literature review.

Background: While overall head and neck cancer incidence decreases due to reduced tobacco and alcohol consumption, the incidence of HPV negative oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is raising in several industrialized countries, especially in non-smoking and non-drinking patients. Case presentation: We document a case of gingiva SCC in a 56 years old never-smoker patient reporting low alcohol consumption and unusual occupational solvent exposure. The HPV-negative lesion was surgically removed in 2018, and the patient remains in complete remission 4 years after recurrent surgery in 2019. In 2021, the patient was referred to the occupational cancer consultation. The patient worked as screen printer for 18 years. He reported mouth siphoning every 2-3 days to transfer organic solvents (mainly aromatic hydrocarbons and ketones) from containers into smaller recipients, with regular passage of solvents into his mouth. Conclusion: According to the literature, the frequency of solvent siphoning using mouth is likely to be underestimated. While our review did not find studies reporting longterm consequences to the oral cavity of mouth siphoning, current evidence supports a positive association of upper aero digestive tract SCC with occupational exposures to organic solvents and printing processes. In absence of major extraprofessional factors, the HPV-negative gingiva SCC of this patient might be attributable to the regular occupational oral solvent exposure. While the available evidence remains limited to formally establish a causal relationship, clinicians should investigate this hazardous work practice in patients with OSCC and history of solvent exposures.

[Fibromatous Epulis: A Clinical Case Report].

A 35-year-old patient presented with a painless, broad-based exophytic lesion in the buccal interdental region between teeth 13 and 14. Despite oral hygiene efforts the lesion persisted for around one year. Radiology excluded bone involvement, and histopathology after excision confirmed a fibromatous epulis, which is characterized by collagen-rich connective tissue. There was no recurrence within one-year follow-up. Surgical removal proved to be efficient.

Cellular mechanisms mediating the anti-cancer effects of carnosol on gingiva carcinoma.

Carnosol, a rosemary polyphenol, displays anticancer properties and is suggested as a safer alternative to conventional surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Given that its effects on gingiva carcinoma have not yet been investigated, the aim of this study was to explore its anti-tumor selectivity and to unravel its underlying mechanisms of action. Hence, oral tongue and gingiva carcinoma cell lines exposed to carnosol were analyzed to estimate cytotoxicity, cell viability, cell proliferation, and colony formation potential as compared with those of normal cells. Key cell cycle and apoptotic markers were also measured. Finally, cell migration, oxidative stress, and crucial cell signaling pathways were assessed. Selective anti-gingiva carcinoma activity was disclosed. Overall, carnosol mediated colony formation and proliferation suppression in addition to cytotoxicity induction. Cell cycle arrest was highlighted by the disruption of the c-myc oncogene/p53 tumor suppressor balance. Carnosol also increased apoptosis, oxidative stress, and antioxidant activity. On a larger scale, the alteration of cell cycle and apoptotic profiles was also demonstrated by QPCR array. This was most likely achieved by controlling the STAT5, ERK1/2, p38, and NF-ĸB signaling pathways. Lastly, carnosol reduced inflammation and invasion ability by modulating IL-6 and MMP9/TIMP-1 axes. This study establishes a robust foundation, urging extensive inquiry both in vivo and in clinical settings, to substantiate the efficacy of carnosol in managing gingiva carcinoma.

A giant peripheral ossifying fibroma of the maxilla with extreme difficulty in clinical differentiation from malignancy: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral ossifying fibroma is a nonneoplastic inflammatory hyperplasia that originates in the periodontal ligament or periosteum in response to chronic mechanical irritation. Peripheral ossifying fibroma develops more commonly in young females as a solitary, slow-growing, exophytic nodular mass of the gingiva, no more than 2 cm in diameter. While various synonyms have been used to refer to peripheral ossifying fibroma, very similar names have also been applied to neoplastic diseases that are pathologically distinct from peripheral ossifying fibroma, causing considerable nomenclatural confusion. Herein, we report our experience with an unusual giant peripheral ossifying fibroma with a differential diagnostic challenge in distinguishing it from a malignancy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old Japanese male was referred to our department with a suspected gingival malignancy presenting with an elastic hard, pedunculated, exophytic mass 60 mm in diameter in the right maxillary gingiva. In addition to computed tomography showing extensive bone destruction in the right maxillary alveolus, positron emission tomography with computed tomography revealed fluorodeoxyglucose hyperaccumulation in the gingival lesion. Although these clinical findings were highly suggestive of malignancy, repeated preoperative biopsies showed no evidence of malignancy. Since even intraoperative frozen histological examination revealed no malignancy, surgical resection was performed in the form of partial maxillectomy for benign disease, followed by thorough curettage of the surrounding granulation tissue and alveolar bone. Histologically, the excised mass consisted primarily of a fibrous component with sparse proliferation of atypical fibroblast-like cells, partly comprising ossification, leading to a final diagnosis of peripheral ossifying fibroma. No relapse was observed at the 10-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation of giant peripheral ossifying fibromas can make the differential diagnosis from malignancy difficult. Proper diagnosis relies on recognition of the characteristic histopathology and identification of the underlying chronic mechanical stimuli, while successful treatment mandates complete excision of the lesion and optimization of oral hygiene. Complicated terminological issues associated with peripheral ossifying fibroma require appropriate interpretation and sufficient awareness of the disease names to avoid diagnostic confusion and provide optimal management.

Eugenol as a potential adjuvant therapy for gingival squamous cell carcinoma.

Adoption of plant-derived compounds for the management of oral cancer is encouraged by the scientific community due to emerging chemoresistance and conventional treatments adverse effects. Considering that very few studies investigated eugenol clinical relevance for gingival carcinoma, we ought to explore its selectivity and performance according to aggressiveness level. For this purpose, non-oncogenic human oral epithelial cells (GMSM-K) were used together with the Tongue (SCC-9) and Gingival (Ca9-22) squamous cell carcinoma lines to assess key tumorigenesis processes. Overall, eugenol inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation while inducing cytotoxicity in cancer cells as compared to normal counterparts. The recorded effect was greater in gingival carcinoma and appears to be mediated through apoptosis induction and promotion of p21/p27/cyclin D1 modulation and subsequent Ca9-22 cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, in a p53-independent manner. At these levels, distinct genetic profiles were uncovered for both cell lines by QPCR array. Moreover, it seems that our active component limited Ca9-22 and SCC-9 cell migration respectively through MMP1/3 downregulation and stimulation of inactive MMPs complex formation. Finally, Ca9-22 behaviour appears to be mainly modulated by the P38/STAT5/NFkB pathways. In summary, we can disclose that eugenol is cancer selective and that its mediated anti-cancer mechanisms vary according to the cell line with gingival squamous cell carcinoma being more sensitive to this phytotherapy agent.

Gingival squamous cell carcinoma in 2 lions under managed care.

Neoplasia is one of the main causes of euthanasia in geriatric captive nondomestic felids. However, few studies have examined oral tumors in these animals. We describe here the clinicopathologic features of gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 2 lions (Panthera leo) from separate zoologic collections. In both cases, the lions had a history of sialorrhea, bloody oral discharge, and anorexia. Autopsy findings in both lions were similar and were characterized by poorly circumscribed, friable, and bloody gingival masses with grossly apparent invasion of the mandibular bone; a pathologic fracture was observed in 1 case. Histologically, the masses consisted of poorly circumscribed, unencapsulated, densely cellular proliferations of neoplastic epithelial cells arranged in irregular islands, cords, and anastomosing trabeculae with formation of keratin pearls, which, coupled with positive immunohistochemistry for pancytokeratin, were diagnostic for SCC. Although no metastases were found in either animal, both lions were ultimately euthanized because of poor prognosis.

Metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma from breast mimicking a pyogenic granuloma in the gingiva: a case report.

Mucin-producing adenocarcinomas (MAC) are an extremely rare, indistinct group of neoplasm having either a salivary gland origin or with prominent glandular component. The diagnosis is chiefly based on the histological aspect conjoined with immunohistochemical evaluation as clinico-radiographical features are non-specific. It can arise as a primary metastasis to soft tissues, most commonly from either lung, breast, kidney, or colon. This paper reports a 51-year-old woman with buccolingual gingival swelling having a final diagnosis of metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma from the breast. A tissue biopsy was performed followed by immunohistochemistry that confirmed the diagnosis. They are extremely rare, making the diagnosis challenging as it may mimic a benign neoplasm. It accounts for approximately 1% of all oral malignant neoplasms having gingival propensity. The clinician should therefore take into account every diagnostic aspect while encountering such oral lesions to achieve proper patient welfare.

[A Case of Severe Skin Disorder during Pembrolizumab Treatment for Recurrent Maxillary Gingival Carcinoma].

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are known to produce immune-related adverse events(irAE)that require medical management. Herein, we report a case of a patient treated with pembrolizumab who experienced a Grade 3 interrupted skin disorder. The patient is a 67-year-old female diagnosed with right maxillary gingival squamous cell carcinoma(cT4aN0M0, Stage ⅣA)and underwent partial right maxillectomy, right extended supra-omohyoid neck dissection, and maxillary reconstruction using a forearm flap. Six months postoperatively, late lymph node metastases with extracapsular spread was found in the right buccal lymph node and the left neck, and the patient underwent right buccal lymphadenectomy and left modified radical neck dissection. After postoperative combined chemoradiotherapy(cisplatin plus IMRT)followed by 13 courses of cetuximab plus paclitaxel, a recurrent lesion was found in the right buccal region. After 8 courses of pembrolizumab, a skin rash appeared on the forearm, chest, and back, which was diagnosed as Grade 3 irAE, requiring hospitalization. The patient was re-instituted after waiting for improvement of the skin disorder. The pembrolizumab at 75% reduction dose was re-administrated, and the patient has been followed up so far.

Role of collagen and immunostaining for TGF-ß in the clinical and microscopic findings of pyogenic granuloma and peripheral ossifying fibroma.

BACKGROUND: Collagen is a component of Pyogenic Granuloma (PG) and Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma (POF) and performs different functions in these lesions. The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of collagen and immunostaining for Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-ß) in the clinical and microscopic findings of PG and POF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PG (n=20) and POF (n=20) were selected for clinical evaluation (sex, age, localization, size and evolution time) and microscopic analysis (picrosirius red staining for collagen analysis and immunohistochemistry for TGF-ß) performed in the superficial and deep areas of the two lesions. ANOVA/Bonferroni and t-test, Pearson correlation and χ2 were used to compare the sites and parameters analyzed (p<0.05, GraphPad Prism 5.0). RESULTS: The depth of PG presented the highest amount of collagen (p<0.001), and its surface showed the lowest amount of type 1 collagen (yellow-red strong birefringence). Type 1 collagen gradually increased in depth of PG, surface and depth of POF (p<0.001). The number of TGF-ß+ cells was lower on the surface of PG compared with the depth of PG and the two areas of POF (p<0.001). Sex and localization did not affect these parameters, but the profile of collagen and immunostaining for TGF-ß suffered from modifications by the time of evolution and the size of the lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Although PG and POF are reactive gingival lesions, the expression of TGF-ß and its role in collagen showed different biological behaviors in these lesions, suggesting different biological origins for its components.

Preserving periodontal tissue in the treatment of a large peripheral ossifying fibroma: a case study.

Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a reactive, benign gingival enlargement. Its etiology is not fully known. It can be seen in many different sizes in the mouth. The histopathological appearance of POF is mineralized tissue and fibrous proliferation. All relevant soft and hard tissues must be removed to prevent recurrence. Periodontal tissue remaining after excision is important for tooth preservation. With large lesions, the loss of healthy periodontal tissue is also large. Periodontal surgical approaches are important to preserve the remaining periodontal tissue. The positive effects of autogenously obtained titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) and connective tissue graft (CTG) on soft tissue are well known. A 34-year-old woman presented with a fibrous and pedunculated gingival mass in the upper left canine premolar region. The operation was performed with complete excision of the lesion down to the bone along with the surrounding healthy tissue. Periodontal treatment of the large defect created after excision of a large POF lesion was performed with laterally positioned flap, CTG and T-PRF. The periodontal tissue and defect were noted to heal in a healthy manner at the 6-month follow-up. POF is a benign lesion; however, it has a high recurrence rate. Complete elimination of the lesion is crucial to prevent recurrence. Periodontal surgical methods and biomaterials applied after surgical excision are significant to maintain the periodontal health of the remaining teeth and tissues.

A Periodontal Perspective on the Successful Treatment of Recurrent Benign Gingival Lesions Affecting the Anterior Dentition: Two Case Reports.

Recurrent benign gingival lesions occurring in the anterior dentition are clinical dilemmas. While complete removal of such lesions is required to prevent recurrence, this can result in a poor esthetic outcome. Relative to this conundrum, this report discusses the diagnosis, psychologic management, and clinical treatment of two patients with recurring lesions on the facial gingiva of the mandibular and maxillary incisors, respectively. Patient A, a 55-year-old woman, presented with a recurrent peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF); Patient B, a 76-year-old man, presented with a recurrent pyogenic granuloma (PG). Both patients underwent multiple procedures and were ultimately treated without lesion recurrence. The efficacious surgical treatment of recurrent gingival lesions like POF and PG requires an aggressive approach involving lesion removal of the lesion as well as a 1.0- to 2.0-mm margin of normal tissue, underlying alveolar bone, and associated periodontal ligament (PDL). The rationale for this approach stresses the potential periodontal and esthetic ramifications that were considered. In summary, when recurrent benign gingival lesions are localized to the anterior part of the mouth, the approach to their surgical removal should be modified to minimize the extent of gingival recession and other potential esthetic issues.

Neonatal alveolar lymphangioma: A rare benign oral disease case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal alveolar lymphangioma (NAL) is a rare benign condition most often reported in the oral cavity of neonates of African descent. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors present a case report of bilateral NAL, including follow-up images at 6 months and 17 months. The clinical differential diagnosis includes dental lamina cyst, hemangioma, congenital epulis of the neonate, and melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy. Key differences to assist in making the distinction are described. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The distinguishing characteristics of NAL make a clinical diagnosis possible. Accurate clinical recognition of NAL is essential because biopsy is not typically indicated. Because this is a clinical diagnosis, follow-up for 1 year or until complete resolution; biopsy is suggested if clinically indicated for residual or recurrent lesion.

A case of synchronous double cancers consisting of maxillary gingival carcinoma and intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma, invasive: case report.

BACKGROUND: The development of synchronous multiple primary cancers is one of the major causes of death in patients with head and neck cancer. Herein, we report a case of synchronous intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC), invasive in a patient with maxillary gingival carcinoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old female visited our hospital complaining of a mass on the left side of the maxillary gingiva. Intraorally, an exophytic tumor, 50 × 25 mm in size, was found on the gingiva of the left maxillary posterior, and a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was revealed by cytology. Emission tomography/ computed tomography with 18 Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron (18FDG- PET/ CT) showed increased accumulation in the left maxillary gingiva, the left side of cervical lymph nodes, and the main pancreatic duct. The pancreatic ductal tumor was performed the biopsy at esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and resulted in a pathological diagnosis of IPMC, invasive. The patient was diagnosed as synchronous double primary cancers consisting of maxillary gingival carcinoma cT4aN2bM0 and IPMC, invasive cT3N0M0. She refused radical treatment, and died 11 months later. CONCLUSION: 18FDG- PET/ CT, EGD and multidisciplinary approach is required for the detection and determining the treatment strategy of synchronous double primary cancers.

[Clinical factors affecting the prognosis of lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To define the clinical factors that influence local recurrence and survival in patients with lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma (LGSCC) and determine whether bone invasion is an independent prognostic factor for them. METHODS: A total of 104 patients with LGSCC hospitalized in Peking University Stomatology Hospital from June 2013 to December 2015 were enrolled in this retrospective study.All the patients were followed-up for more than 3 years.The degree of bone invasion was assessed using preoperative imaging data (CT and panoramic radiograph).The degree of bone invasion was divi-ded into four categories: no bone invasion, invasion of cortical bone, invasion of bone marrow cavity, and invasion of the mandibular canal.According to the central position of tumor, it was divided into two types: anterior mandibular invasion (anterior region of the mental foramen) and posterior mandibular invasion (posterior region of the mental foramen). RESULTS: of different invasion depth groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test.P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis method was used to draw survival curve, and COX regression was used to explore the risk ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of prognostic factors of LGSCC. RESULTS: The follow-up results showed that the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of LGSCC in this group were 91%, 84%, 82%, respectively.32.7%(34/104) of patients had cervical lymph node metastasis.The cervical lymph node metastasis rate of the anterior segment of the mandible was 12.5%(2/16), and 36.4%(32/88) for the posterior segment of the mandible (P < 0.05).Univariate and multivariate COX analysis showed that the N stage and local recurrence were the prognostic factors of LGSCC patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: As the degree of mandibular invasion increases, the prognosis of patients with mandibular gum cancer becomes worse.N stage and local recurrence are prognostic risk factors for LGSCC.The incidence of cervical lymph node metastasis for LGSCC is related to the primary tumor location.It is concluded that tumors located at the posterior of the mandible might be more prone to cervical lymph node metastasis than the anterior of the mandible.Thus various levels of cervical lymph node dissection strategies should be adopted for different sites of LGSCC.

Congenital Epulis: A Rare Head And Neck Tumor in the Newborn.

Congenital epulis is a rare tumor; when voluminous and ulcerated, appearance can generate concern. Nevertheless, it is a benign lesion that is easily treated with surgery. This is a retrospective study, with the presentation of 2 cases treated by the same team from 2016 to 2020 and a bibliographic review (PubMed and Elsiever). This surgical team is based in Buenos Aires, working in the private medical system. Congenital epulis is an infrequent, benign tumor affecting females predominantly, appearing at birth on the alveolar median ridge of the maxilla. Its pathogenesis is uncertain. Voluminous tumors interfere with feeding, but respiratory interference is exceptional. Histologically, this tumor is similar to the granular cell tumor but has different clinical characteristics and Periodic Acid Schiff stain. Prenatal diagnosis with ecographic or magnetic resonance imaging is ideal; if undiagnosed prenatally, clinical diagnosis is done based on typical features. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice.

Angioleiomioma oral mimetizando um granuloma piogênico: relato de caso raro / Oral Angioleiomyoma mimetizing a pyogenic granuloma: A rare case report

Angioleiomioma (AL) é um tumor benigno de origem perivascular que raramente é observado na cavidade oral, principalmente em localizações como a gengiva. Devido sua apresentação clínica inespecífica, os ALs podem mimetizar outras lesões orais, como tumores benignos de glândulas salivares e lesões reacionais, como o granuloma piogênico. O presente artigo objetiva relatar um caso raro de AL localizado em gengiva, em uma paciente de 19 anos. Clinicamente, a lesão apresentava-se como um tumor assintomático, oval, pedunculado, bem definido, com superfície lisa, consistência fibrosa e cor eritematosa, semelhante a um granuloma piogênico, Uma biópsia excisional foi realizada e o fragmento foi encaminhado para análise histopatológica, que revelou uma proliferação vascular de diversos calibres, contendo paredes musculares espessas e proliferação muscular adjacente, além de infiltrado inflamatório, predominantemente crônico, hemácias extravasadas e área de ulceração, consistente com o diagnóstico de AL inflamado. A histopatologia desempenha um papel importante no diagnóstico final de lesões raras e com características clínicas inespecíficas. A excisão cirúrgica da lesão é o tratamento de escolha mais eficaz para os ALs orais. (AU)

Angioleiomyoma (AL) is a benign tumor of smooth muscle of perivascular origin that is rarely seen in the oral cavity, mainly in locations like the gingiva. Due to their nonspecific clinical presentation, ALs can mimic other oral lesions, such as benign salivary gland tumors and reactional lesions, as a pyogenic granuloma. We reported a case of an AL located in the gingiva in a 19-year-old female patient. In clinical terms, the lesion was presented as an asymptomatic, oval, pedunculated, well-defined nodule with a smooth surface, fibrous consistency and erythematous color, similar to a pyogenic granuloma. An excisional biopsy was performed and the fragment was sent for histopathological analysis that revealed a vascular proliferation of different calibers, containing thick muscle walls and adjacent muscle proliferation, in addition to an inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly chronic, extravasated red blood cells and an area of ulceration, consistent with the diagnosis of inflamed AL. The histopathology plays an important role in the final diagnosis of rare lesions and with nonspecific clinical characteristics. The surgical excision of the lesion is the most effective treatment of choice for oral ALs. (AU)

Gingival neoplasms: a multicenter collaborative study of 888 patients in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the prevalence and clinicopathological features of a large series of gingival neoplasms in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS:  All gingival benign and malignant neoplasms were retrieved from the records of six Oral Pathology Services in Brazil, during a 41-year period. Clinical and demographic data, clinical diagnosis, and histopathological data were collected from the patients' clinical charts. For statistical analysis, the chi-square, median test of independent samples and the U Mann-Whitney tests were used, considering a significance of 5%. RESULTS:  From 100,026 oral lesions, 888 (0.9%) were gingival neoplasms. There were 496 (55.9%) males, with a mean age of 54.2 years. Most cases (70.3%) were malignant neoplasms. Nodules (46.2%) and ulcers (38.9%) were the most common clinical appearance for benign and malignant neoplasms, respectively. Squamous cell carcinoma (55.6%) was the most common gingival neoplasm, followed by squamous cell papilloma (19.6%). In 69 (11.1%) malignant neoplasms, the lesions were clinically considered to be inflammatory or of infectious origin. Malignant neoplasms were more common in older men, appeared with larger size, and with a time of complaint shorter than benign neoplasms (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:  Benign and malignant tumors may appear as nodules in gingival tissue. In addition, malignant neoplasms, especially squamous cell carcinoma, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent single gingival ulcers.