RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, with the five-year survival rate varying around 50%, however, ifs the sooner OSCC in early-stage is treated, the lower the chances of recurrence and death. In this study, we described an OSCC diagnosed early, highlighting how the early surgical excision prevents the morbidity. CASE REPORT: A 74-year-old man presented a whitish and symptomatic plaque and a discreet ulcerated area on the right lateral border of the tongue. Due to close contact with the second inferior molar, a clinical diagnosis of a frictional keratosis was suspected, however as the lesion persisted after two weeks of follow-up, an incisional biopsy was performed and the microscopic features revealed an OSCC. Early surgical resection was performed, preventing the morbidity and improve benefits to patient. CONCLUSION: OSCC can manifest of several clinical forms, including indolent appearances, which can delay the diagnosis, and consequently the prognosis. Further, it is important to recognize and not neglect any intraoral lesions, in order to avoid the far more invasive surgery that a more advance disease would imply.
