Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue associated with cinnamon gum use: a case report

Head Neck. 1998 Aug;20(5):430-3. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0347(199808)20:5<430::aid-hed12>3.0.co;2-k.

Abstract

Background: Cinnamon aldehydes found in cinnamon-flavored gums can incite mucosal alterations at points of contact with the oral mucosa. These alterations may include inflammation and epithelial proliferation, but as a rule, the changes are reversible and promptly resolve when gum-chewing activity is discontinued.

Methods: The authors report a case of a 24-year-old woman who developed a squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue following persistent and prolonged exposure to cinnamon-flavored gum.

Results: Several social, clinical, and histopathologic features point to the cinnamon-flavored chewing gum as a possible causal factor in the development of the patient's oral carcinoma.

Conclusions: Prompt withdrawal of cinnamon products is encouraged in heavy gum chewers who develop cinnamon-related oral lesions. For those lesions which do not promptly resolve upon cinnamon withdrawal, diagnostic biopsy should be considered to exclude the possibility of a squamous cell carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Chewing Gum / adverse effects*
  • Cinnamomum zeylanicum / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Tongue Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Tongue Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Chewing Gum