A Rare Case of Metastasis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Oral Cavity to Thoracic Vertebrae

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has a low prevalence of hematogenous dissemination and typically spreads by direct extension and lymphatic metastases. In general, bone metastases from advanced cases of these carcinomas are unusual. We represent a 57year-old patient with SCC of the lower jaw who has an aggressive oral SCC metastatic spreading the thoracic vertebrae. After the second surgery, the patient was followed up without locoregional recurrence. After the development of gait disturbance and falls, radiological examination revealed metastasis in the thoracic vertebrae. Pretreatment bone scans might be helpful in the identification of oral cavity carcinomas at the time of diagnosis to establish the treatment strategy in cases of recurrent disease. Patients with peripheric neuropathic symptoms associated with oral SCCs should have such metastases taken into account as part of their etiology. © 2025, Turkiye Klinikleri. All rights reserved.