Metastasis of lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma to buccinator lymph node: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Metastasis of oral cancer to the buccinator lymph nodes (BN) is uncommon. The antegrade lymphatic flow in patients with normal anatomy and physiology makes metastasis of lower gingival cancer to BN unlikely. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old woman presented with a 46 × 25-mm tumor on her lower gingiva, along with metastatic foci in BN and cervical lymph nodes. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, she underwent radical resection of the primary tumor and BN, along with neck dissection. Following surgery, she received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Two years after treatment, there has been no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma with metastasis to BN. Metastasis to BN from lower gingival cancer is very rare but should be considered in patients with locally advanced tumors or tumors that metastasize to the submandibular node.