Squamous cell carcinoma .

  • The most common malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity and jaw bones.
  • The jaws are affected by peripheral infiltration when the tumor is located in the gingiva, the alveolar mucosa, the floor of the mouth and the hard palate.
  • The radiographic findings depend on the degree of infiltration. Computed tomography is necessary to accurately determine bone invasion and destruction.
  • Radiographically an ill defined, osteolytic radiolucency, is observed which initiates as peripheral bone erosion.
  • The adjacent teeth are loosened (floating teeth) and the roots are laterally resorbed giving the characteristic picture of ‘nail end effect’.

Differential Diagnosis

Case 1

Squamous cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth with mandible invasion.

Case 2

Two case of squamous cell carcinomas in the mandible.

Case 3

Squamous cell carcinoma of hard palate.

Case 4

Squamous cell carcinoma of the right mandibular alveolar ridge in a male 81 years old.