Adenocarcinoma of the rectum metastatic to the oral cavity. Two cases and a review of the literature

Two cases of metastatic adenocarcinoma occurring in the oral cavity are presented. One patient experienced lip paresthesias and pain as the presenting complaint. The other patient developed a growth at the site of a recent tooth extraction, and had bony erosion of the adjacent maxilla. The literature on metastatic lesions to the oral cavity including mandible is reviewed. This problem has been described almost exclusively in the oral and dental surgery literature. The clinical symptoms and signs described here should suggest the possibility of metastatic tumor to the oral cavity, and may be the initial manifestation of malignant disease.