Case report: Mysterious neck metastasis – Role of the dental clinician

Abstract

This report presents an unusual neck lesion, initially seen by a dental surgeon. The lesion had been present for more than 4 weeks, was asymptomatic, slowly increasing in size and proved to be diagnostically challenging from a clinical, radiological and histopathology perspective. Following excision and full histopathological analysis, a definitive diagnosis remains elusive.

This demonstrates the importance of the dental surgeon as the first point of patient-contact and the patient's relationship with numerous multidisciplinary teams. Promotion of healthy living, screening for abnormal lesions and early referrals by dental surgeons improves prognosis and patients' quality of life. All clinicians need to be vigilant.