CLEAR CELL VARIANT OF SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA MASQUERADING AS PYOGENIC GRANULOMA: A DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE

Background: Clear cell variant of squamous cell carcinoma (CCSCC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), often difficult to diagnose due to its unusual morphology. This variant can resemble benign lesions, such as pyogenic granuloma, leading to diagnostic delays.
Objective:To highlight the diagnostic challenge presented by the clear cell variant of squamous cell carcinoma and emphasise the importance of histopathological evaluation in distinguishing it from benign gingival growths.
Case Presentation:A 74-year-old male with a painless gingival lesion in the mandibular anterior region presented with a growth that had gradually increased in size and bled upon mastication. Despite clinical features resembling a pyogenic granuloma, the lesion was diagnosed as CCSCC following histopathological evaluation, which revealed clear cell morphology.
Results:Histopathology showed dysplastic stratified squamous epithelium invading connective tissue, with clear cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei. The patient was referred for oncological management, including surgical excision with wide margins and adjuvant therapy.