A Case of Left Maxillary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Misdiagnosed as Chronic Apical Periodontitis
Abstract：Chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) is a chronic inflammatory response in the periapical tissues caused by long-term infection and pathogenic stimuli within the root canal. Patients usually present with discomfort during mastication or a gum abscess and need to be differentiated from odontogenic cysts and tumors, non-odontogenic cysts, benign tumors and tumor-like lesions, and malignant tumors [1]. This article reports a case that was initially diagnosed as CAP and underwent root canal treatment without success, and was later referred for further examination. Clinical examination, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and histopathological analysis ultimately led to a diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). This case report aims to increase awareness among endodontic specialists about ACC and improve preoperative differential diagnostic capabilities, thereby avoiding misdiagnosis and treatment delays.
Keywords：Chronic apical periodontitisRoot canal therapyMisdiagnosisAdenoid cystic carcinoma
Publication Date：2025-07-28
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-21(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：3( 410-412 )