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Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue associated with cinnamon gum use: A case report
Author(s) -
Westra William H.,
McMurray J. Scott,
Califano Joseph,
Flint Paul W.,
Corio Russel L.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0347(199808)20:5<430::aid-hed12>3.0.co;2-k
Subject(s) - medicine , chewing gum , tongue , basal cell , biopsy , oral mucosa , carcinoma , incisional biopsy , dentistry , gingival inflammation , dermatology , pathology , gastroenterology , food science , gingivitis , biology
Background Cinnamon aldehydes found in cinnamon‐flavored gums can incite mucosal alterations at points of contact with the oral mucosa. These alterations may include inflammation and epithelial proliferation, but as a rule, the changes are reversible and promptly resolve when gum‐chewing activity is discontinued. Methods The authors report a case of a 24‐year‐old woman who developed a squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue following persistent and prolonged exposure to cinnamon‐flavored gum. Results Several social, clinical, and histopathologic features point to the cinnamon‐flavored chewing gum as a possible causal factor in the development of the patient's oral carcinoma. Conclusions Prompt withdrawal of cinnamon products is encouraged in heavy gum chewers who develop cinnamon‐related oral lesions. For those lesions which do not promptly resolve upon cinnamon withdrawal, diagnostic biopsy should be considered to exclude the possibility of a squamous cell carcinoma. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 20: 430–433, 1998.