Metastatic tumors to postextraction sites

Abstract

Review of the literature revealed 55 cases where tooth extraction preceded the discovery of metastases. The lung and breast were the most common sources of the metastasis, and the mandibular premolar area was the most common site. A soft tissue mass extruding from a recent extraction wound, and accompanied by pain, were the main symptoms in most patients. The mean time from discovery of the metastasis to death was 3.8 months. Tooth extraction appears to serve as a promoting factor in the metastatic process. A case of metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder involving the area of a recently extracted mandibular third molar is reported.