A case report of a swollen buccal fat pad revealing an aggressive lung tumor

Guennoun, Oumayma; Boukaaba, Hind; Fadel, Reda; Moumine, Mohammed

doi:10.21608/omx.2025.313132.1259

A case report of a swollen buccal fat pad revealing an aggressive lung tumor

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

¹ Department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Hassan II University Hospital Center, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

² Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Stomatology, Moulay Ismail Military Hospital of Meknes, , Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco

10.21608/omx.2025.313132.1259

Abstract

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC) are rare and aggressive tumors that often present significant diagnostic challenges due to their lack of distinctive clinical symptoms. This type of cancer is particularly difficult to diagnose because it does not typically present with specific or easily recognizable signs, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The prognosis for patients with LCNEC is generally poor, and the optimal therapeutic approach remains a topic of ongoing debate within the medical community.

In this case, we report an unusual presentation of LCNEC in a 75-year-old man who initially sought medical attention for a swollen cheek, which had been gradually worsening over a three-month period. Upon further investigation, a mass was identified in the buccal fat pad, and a biopsy was performed, leading to a diagnosis of LCNEC based on histological findings. Subsequent evaluations revealed that the primary tumor originated in the lung and had metastasized extensively. Palliative chemotherapy was initiated in response to the advanced stage of the disease.

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