Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa: a new case and review of 45 cases in the literature

Abstract

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) of the oral mucosa other than the tongue is uncommon. We report a case of a 67-year-old man who diagnosed with Stage I BSCC in the floor of the mouth. This early stage presentation carries a considerably better prognosis. Clinical summary of 46 cases of oral BSCC indicated that the tongue base was the most preferred site (61%). The patients were 19 males and 15 females with the mean age of 61 years (n=34). Most presented with Stage III or IV disease (62%). Even at the initial presentation, 47% had cervical lymph node metastases. Its aggressive clinical behaviour was characterized by a high incidence of local recurrence (32%), regional lymph node metastases (52%), and mortality rate (38%). Because of the advanced stage at presentation, oral BSCC is prognostically worse.