Introduction: Metastatic oral tumours are rare, contributing to 1% of all malignant oral cavity tumours.
Case report: We report the case of a 59-year-old man with colon cancer at an advanced disease stage, with progression to the peritoneum and maxillary gingiva. Palliative surgery was indicated to improve the patient's quality of life.
Discussion: In a review of the literature, we compiled a list of 27 cases (including the present case) reflecting some 30 years of literature on oral cavity metastatic disease originating in colon cancer.
Conclusion: Oral cavity metastasis should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of a synchronous or metachronous oral cavity lesion. The therapeutic goal should include palliative alternatives when necessary. Intraoral reconstruction using local flaps may be a simple and reliable palliative resection option aimed at improving the patient's quality of life.
Keywords: Case report; Colon adenocarcinoma; Oral metastases; Reconstructive surgery.