Aim

To describe the development of an oral squamous cell carcinoma, in which chronic mechanical irritation appears to play a significant role in carcinogenesis.

Clinical case

A 41-year-old patient, from Argentina, with a history of cleft lip and palate, diabetes mellitus, seizures, cocaine and cannabis use, chronic alcoholism and smoking, comes to the Dentistry Service of the Central Hospital for the evaluation of a painful ulcer on the dorsum of the tongue, which had been developing for several weeks, in close relation to an upper right first premolar and a supernumerary tooth. A biopsy was performed, and the pathological anatomy resulted in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Possible treatments were offered to the patient, which he rejected, so palliative and symptomatic therapy was initiated instead. As his poor general condition progressed, he died due to complications related to swallowing. Although the role of chronic mechanical irritation in the development of carcinogenesis is not yet fully defined, it has been shown to have a promoting effect on the damage caused by tobacco and alcohol.

Although the patient was a smoker and drank alcohol, it can be observed that he developed a squamous cell carcinoma in obvious relation to a chronic trauma, since the lesion develops on the dorsal face of the tongue in close contact with the irritant factor. Still, the current evidence available is limited and discusses the role of chronic trauma, so more studies are needed to evaluate and define the possible causal relationship of chronic mechanical irritation in the development of carcinogenesis.