Abstract

SASSI, Laurindo Moacir et al. Squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth in a young patient: case report and evaluation of risk factors. RSBO (Online) [online]. 2010, vol.7, n.1, pp. 105-109. ISSN 1984-5685.

INTRODUCTION: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common oral malignant neoplasm, affecting mainly men over 50 years, with the main risk factors of smoking and alcoholism. The incidence of this neoplasm in young people under the age of 40 is rare (3 to 6% of cases). In these patients the course of the disease is even more aggressive, showing higher risk of cervical metastatization with unfavorable prognosis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to describe a clinical case of aggressive cancer of the mouth and unfavorable development in a young patient, considering the use of marijuana and smoking as possible risk factors. Predisposing factors are discussed, as well as the literature review related to SCC in young people. CASE REPORT: It was reported a case of SCC of the mouth in a 21-year-old male patient, who was leukoderma, smoker and user of marijuana. The patient was diagnosed in very advanced stages of the disease and treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, due to the unresectable tumor, but he left the treatment during radiotherapy and evolved to death after two months of last contact. CONCLUSION: The case highlights the importance of early diagnosis of lesions of oral cancer, as well as the increase in prevention campaigns, focusing also young patients, users of marijuana.

Keywords : oral cancer; squamous cell carcinoma; risk factors; marijuana.