RESUMO
Metastatic tumors to the oral and maxillofacial region are relatively rare, they constitute 1% of all malignant tumors of the oral cavity. The purpose of this case report is to evaluate the efficiency of fine needle aspiration cytology [FNAC] in the diagnosis of metastatic small cell lung carcinoma. A 50-year-old female patient presenting with a 4x5 cm firm, hemorrhagic, tender swelling on the left mandibular bicuspid gingiva was evaluated. Her past medical history revealed a mass measuring 8x5 cm in the left pulmonary hilar area with pleural effusion, which was diagnosed as small cell lung carcinoma. A FNAC was performed to the oral mucosal swelling, and cytological examination revealed metastatic small cell lung carcinoma. The duration between diagnosis of the primary lung and development of metastasis was 6 months. The FNAC is a rapid, non-invasive, and safe diagnostic method when carried out with a proper technique, and proved to be a valuable adjunct to a careful physical and radiological examination of the oro-maxillofacial lesions