Publication:

Gasserian ganglion metastases of oral squamous cell carcinoma in the absence of loco-regional metastases masquerading as trigeminal neuralgia

We presented an unusual case of a 43-year-old man presenting with symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia with a clinico-radiological diagnosis of maxillary nerve schwannoma. Surgical excision and histopathology revealed a diagnosis of metastases of squamous cell carcinoma to Gasserian ganglion. On further investigation, the primary tumour was detected in the right alveolar region of mandible. Our purpose of presenting this case was to make the clinicians aware that all cases presenting with trigeminal neuralgia may not be benign and may be the sole presentation of brain metastases of oral cancer without the loco-regional spread.