Editorial Type:
Article Category: Case Report
 | 
Online Publication Date: 05 Aug 2024

Apical Abscess on a Zygomaticus Implant Initially Diagnosed as a Cutaneous Carcinoma

DDS, MD and
DDS
Page Range: 349 – 351
DOI: 10.1563/aaid-joi-D-23-00116
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We present a case of an infection on a zygomaticus implant presenting on the skin, mimicking a cutaneous carcinoma, and presenting to a head and neck tumor board. The clinical findings were an intermittently discharging lesion over the zygomatic bone, which resolved upon removing the offending zygomaticus implant. It is essential to be aware that infections on a zygomaticus implant can occur well away from the normal tooth-bearing areas, and having a dentist with knowledge of these implants on a tumor board can prevent misdiagnosis and treatment.

Copyright: 2024
Figure 1.
Figure 1.

Appearance of the implant retained upper denture.


Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Appearance of nonhealing, intermittently discharging ulcer over the right zygomatic bone.


Figure 3.
Figure 3.

Axial CT scan showing a metallic object (arrowed).


Figure 4.
Figure 4.

Cone beam CT scan shows the zygomaticus implants bilaterally with a well-circumscribed periapical radiolucency (arrowed) on the right.


Figure 5.
Figure 5.

Final appearance of skin lesion 6 months following removal of the causative implant.


Contributor Notes

Corresponding author, e-mail: tony.pogrel@ucsf.edu
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