J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2016 Apr;42(2):111-114. 10.5125/jkaoms.2016.42.2.111.

Iron supplement tablet embedded in the oral cavity mimicking neoplasm: a case report

• Corlianò
• Falco P
• Cambi J
• Brindisi L

• KMID: 2351734
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5125/jkaoms.2016.42.2.111

Abstract

The detection of foreign bodies in the upper-aerodigestive tract is a fairly frequent event and can occur in various areas and for various reasons. In rare cases, foreign bodies can simulate a neoplasia. We evaluated similar cases during emergency regimen with an oral cavity mucosal lesion, causing lockjaw, sore throat, dysphagia, and swelling of the submandibular and laterocervical region. Physical examination revealed an extensive mucosal ulceration in the floor of the mouth and the lateral surface of the tongue, comparable to oral cancer. During a second, more accurate assessment, a partially deteriorated iron supplement tablet was found embedded in a mucosal pocket. After removing the tablet, gradual normalization of the tissue was observed without any sequelae. This is one of the many reasons why it is advisable and useful in cases of oral lesions to collect a detailed medical history and to perform an accurate clinical evaluation, including inspection and palpation of the lesion, before proceeding to further diagnostic assessments, especially in elderly patients taking many medications. However unlikely, it is possible that difficulty in swallowing pills or tablets could generate tumorlike lesions.

Keyword

Mouth neoplasms; Iron deficiency anemia; Oral ulcer; Foreign bodies

MeSH Terms

Aged
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
Deglutition
Deglutition Disorders
Emergencies
Foreign Bodies
Humans
Iron*
Mouth Neoplasms
Mouth*
Oral Ulcer
Palpation
Pharyngitis
Physical Examination
Tablets
Tongue
Trismus
Ulcer
Iron
Tablets

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 First evaluation of the floor mouth lesion.

• 

  Fig. 2 Second evaluation of the lesion.

• 

  Fig. 3 Iron pill removed from the mucosal pocket.

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