Gingival squamous cell carcinoma mimicking periodontal disease.

Gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) is relatively rare, representing less than 10% of oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas. Because of its proximity to the teeth and periodontium, the tumor can mimic tooth-related benign inflammatory conditions. In this article, a case of GSCC with clinical features very similar to those of periodontal disease in an 86-year-old nonsmoking woman is presented. Consequently, clinicians should be aware of this pathology to play an important role in the early detection of gingival cancer.