Impaction of third molars and localized cancer of the oral cavity: A simple occasional finding? A retrospective case series and literature review

Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze, through a literature review and the description of four clinical cases, whether prolonged tooth impaction may represent a trigger for the onset of oral carcinoma. Materials e methods: In this report, four cases of patients needing the extraction of third molars in complete mucosal or bone impaction are described, which, due to the presence of an unusual radiographic and/or clinical aspect, were found to represent cases of oral carcinomas on histologic analysis. Patients were then referred to the ENT department for further care. A review of the literature has been performed as well. Results: Literature analysis revealed the presence of only few case reports on the topic, suggesting therefore a lack of evidence on the correlation between tooth impaction and the onset of oral carcinomas. Conclusions: Further studies are needed in order to give valid hypotheses. The concept of inflammation, that is at the base of oral carcinogenesis mechanism and tooth-related pathologies, such as pericoronitis, may be a common substrate to link these two phenomena. Clinical relevance: A thorough analysis of the radiographic and clinical signs is strongly recommended prior and during surgical procedures, such as tooth extraction.