Buccal Abscess With Dystrophic Calcification: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 54-year-old man developed a rare case of dystrophic calcification in his cheek, which was diagnosed as an abscess after ruling out other conditions.

Contribution

This case report highlights the rare occurrence of dystrophic calcification in the buccal mucosa and emphasizes the importance of accurate differential diagnosis.

Findings

Dystrophic calcification was identified in the buccal mucosa following incision and drainage.

The calcification was differentiated from other similar conditions using imaging and clinical evaluation.

The case underscores the need for comprehensive assessment to diagnose rare ectopic calcifications.

Abstract

Dystrophic calcification, a type of ectopic calcification, refers to the pathological deposition of calcium ions in soft tissues. While cases have been reported in various regions of the body, its occurrence in the head and neck is rare. Here, we present a case of dystrophic calcification in the buccal mucosa. The patient, a 54-year-old man, initially visited his local dentist with complaints of swelling and pain in the right buccal mucosa, but the cause remained unidentified. He was subsequently referred to our department for further evaluation. At the initial visit, he exhibited swelling extending from the right buccal region to the mandible, along with redness and swelling in the right buccal mucosa near the premolars. A blood test revealed an elevated WBC count and increased CRP levels. USG showed hypoechoic areas in the right buccal region, raising suspicion of an abscess caused by infection or the presence of foreign material. The patient underwent an incision and drainage procedure, during which three tissue fragments were isolated. Pathological analysis confirmed that these were hard tissue structures distinct from teeth and bone, indicating dystrophic calcifications. Given that calcification can occur in the buccal region, it is essential to differentiate it from other conditions such as calcifying lymph nodes, phleboliths, sialolithiasis, and myositis ossificans. Accurate diagnosis requires a combination of radiological imaging, USG, clinical examination, and thorough medical history assessment.

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