The Possible Role of Incompatible Dentures in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Series

Background: This study aims to present the clinical and radiographic findings, diagnostic process, and treatment outcomes of three patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) initially misdiagnosed as denture-related traumatic ulcers. Three male patients with diabetes mellitus, previously treated at different centers for incompatible dentures, were referred to our faculty due to non-healing lesions and were diagnosed with OSCC following biopsy. Case Report: Case 1 was a 61-year-old patient with stage IVa OSCC in the left lingual region who developed multiple bone metastases and died 15 months after diagnosis despite chemoradiotherapy. Case 2 was a 70-year-old patient with stage IVa OSCC and multiple metastases who died 7 months after diagnosis. Case 3 was an 81-year-old patient diagnosed with stage I OSCC and has remained recurrence-free during a 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: Dentists should be cautious of OSCC lesions mimicking denture-related trauma, and biopsy should be promptly considered for lesions that fail to heal within two weeks to support early diagnosis of oral cancer.