Odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract presenting as a growing cheek mass in the emergency department

Abstract

An odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract (OCST) is a rare extraoral sinus tract related to a chronic draining dental infection, typically apical periodontitis. OCST usually presents as an erythematous and non-tender nodule and often requires endodontic treatment for resolution of the sinus tract. If there is disruption of the mandibular cortex, it may be difficult to differentiate an OCST from a non-odontogenic malignant mass in patients without dental symptoms. This report describes a rare case of OCST presenting as a left cheek mass in a 21-year-old man which was initially diagnosed in the emergency department.

Keywords: Apical periodontitis; Cheek mass; MRI; Odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract; US.