“ORAL CANCER MANIFESTATIONS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: A FOCUS ON ENDODONTIC IMPLICATIONS”
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Keywords
Pediatric oral cancer, endodontics, leukemia, oral lesions, misdiagnosis, Lahore, Multan, dental oncology
Abstract
Background: Oral cancer in children is very uncommon, therefore, poses a serious diagnostic problem since it appears very similar to the common dental and endodontic diseases.
Purpose: Assess the clinical features of oral cancer in children and their endodontic consequences, particularly the early diagnosis and distinguishing between oral cancer and the common pulpal pathology.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the duration from January,2025 to August, 2025 at Children Complex Multan Private clinics in Multan and Lahore. Consecutive sampling was done to enroll 150 pediatric patients between the ages of 5 and 16 years who had suspected oral lesions. Radiographic, clinical and histopathological studies were conducted. The SPSS version 26 was used to analyze data and chi-square and descriptive statistics were utilized.
Findings: Non-healing ulcers (36%), and abscess-like swelling (28%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Forty percent of the lesions were manifested as periapical radiolucencies on radiographs. The most common manifestations were those of leukemia (32%), lymphoma (24%), and squamous cell carcinoma (20%). Approximately 34.7 percent of the patients received unwarranted endodontic treatment until the correct diagnosis was made. Malignancy was significantly related to non-healing ulcers (p = 0.002).
Conclusion: Pediatric oral cancers are very likely to mimic endodontic diseases, thus confusing the diagnosis. To enhance the prognosis and reduce the risk of delaying treatment, early diagnosis, increased clinical awareness, and multidisciplinary treatment should be achieved.
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Dr Javed Iqbal
Demonstrator, Operative Dentistry Department, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry Multan
Dr Hafiz Waqas Ahmed
Registrar, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Mayo Hospital/ King Edward Medical University, Lahore
Dr Anila Anbreen
Demonstrator /Admin Registrar Endodontic Department, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry Multan
Dr Humara Iqbal
Assistant Professor, Multan Medical and Dental College
Dr Faisal Asghar
Assistant Professor (Oral Medicine), Multan Medical and Dental College
Dr Amara Nazir
Associate Professor Operative Dentistry, Bakhtawer Amin Medical and Dental College Multan
