Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Metastasis to the Oral Cavity

Introduction: Metastasis involves the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumour to the surrounding tissues and to distant organs. Metastatic involvement of the oral cavity is infrequent; nevertheless biopsy of oral lesions is mandatory in known cases of a distant primary malignancy. Oral metastasis usually occurs in the advanced stages of cancers and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Case description: This case report describes the presentation of a metastatic lesion from a poorly differentiated non-small cell carcinoma of lung to the maxillary gingiva. Management: The patient was referred to Regional Cancer Center, Thiruvananthapuram where he received palliative treatment. Conclusion: The metastatic lesions can easily be mistaken for a reactive lesion. A high degree of clinical suspicion in known cases of primary malignancy is recommended for prompt diagnosis.