Peri-implant squamous cell carcinoma

Peri-implant squamous cell carcinoma is an uncommon pathological manifestation, whereas peri-implantitis is commonly found in association with dental implants. Both present similarly with loss of supporting soft and hard tissue around dental implants; therefore, a careful differential diagnosis is required. The present case concerns a 62-year-old Japanese man who had a dental implant which had been in the left maxillary incisor region for 4 years who apparently developed peri-implantitis. This did not respond to localized therapy and antibiotics so was referred for specialist surgical management. A biopsy confirmed it to be a squamous cell carcinoma rather than an inflammatory lesion. A literature review shows that this is an unusual presentation without a previous history of malignancy, mucosal disease or risk factors for cancers. Although rare, the possibility of peri-implant squamous cell carcinoma should be borne in mind by all practitioners who monitor implant patients.