Case Report

Year : 2026 | Volume : 10 | Issue : 1 | Page : 23-27

A Rare Presentation of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Young Non-Tobacco User-A case report

Case report

1*Pathologist, South Valley Dental Lab, Magadi Main Rd, Cholourpalya, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560084, India.

Email: nehakapoor929394@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent malignancy of the oral cavity and is traditionally associated with well-established risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and betel quid chewing. However, the occurrence of OSCC in young individuals without exposure to these conventional risk factors is uncommon and presents a significant diagnostic challenge. We report a rare case of oral squamous cell carcinoma in a young non-tobacco user who presented with a persistent ulcerative lesion involving the lateral border of the tongue. Case presentation: Clinical examination revealed an ulceroproliferative growth with surrounding erythema and induration. Despite the absence of tobacco-related habits, the lesion exhibited features suggestive of malignancy, warranting further investigation. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen demonstrated invasive nests and islands of atypical squamous epithelial cells infiltrating the connective tissue stroma. The tumor cells showed marked cellular pleomorphism, nuclear hyperchromatism, increased nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, and individual cell keratinization. Low-power microscopic evaluation revealed prominent keratin pearl formation within infiltrating epithelial islands, confirming the diagnosis of well-differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was subsequently referred for definitive oncologic management. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering oral squamous cell carcinoma in the differential diagnosis of persistent oral ulcerative lesions, even in young patients lacking conventional risk factors. Early clinical recognition, prompt biopsy, and comprehensive histopathological assessment remain essential for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Increased awareness among healthcare professionals regarding atypical presentations of OSCC may facilitate earlier detection, improve therapeutic outcomes, and reduce disease-related morbidity and mortality in younger populations.                           

Acknowledgment

Nil

Conflict of interest

Nil

Source of funding

Nil

How to cite this article: Neha kapoor., A Rare Presentation of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Young Non-Tobacco User-A case report. Int J Clinicopathol Correl. 2026; 10(1):23-27. 10.56501/Int.J.Clin.Pathol.Correl.10.1.ijcc0140.Copyright © 2026 Neha kapoor.