Cutaneous draining sinus tract of odontogenic origin: A case of chronic misdiagnosis

This is a case of a patient with a buccal cutaneous sinus tract, originally misdiagnosed, with delayed healing and potential malpractice. An odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract is a pathologic canal that initiates in the oral cavity but opens externally at the cutaneous surface of the face or neck. It is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to inappropriate treatment. Once correct diagnosis is made, definitive treatment, through oral therapy to eliminate the source of infection, is simple and effective. This case was initially misdiagnosed as a sebaceous cyst and laceration of parotid gland. The case was correctly diagnosed through detailed examination and evaluation, using tracing and advanced imaging technology (cone beam imaging). Endodontic treatment was performed, which resulted in rapid resolution of the case, followed by dermatologic treatment with fractional laser to treat the scar formed.