Intra-oral foreign body in a toddler and the risk of misdiagnosis

Abstract

Objective: To describe the occurrence of intra-oral foreign bodies that may mimic other ominous differential diagnoses.

Background: Patients often present to Family Physicians or Otolaryngologists with foreign bodies in craniofacial orifices. Less common-place is the occurrence of impacted oral or maxillofacial ones, but these have been reported in literature.1 The relative rarity may be responsible for the risk of misdiagnosis. Thorough history, physical examination, and radiographic investigation (at times) are crucial to clinching the right diagnosis.

Case Report: A 1-year old boy presented with a growth within the roof of his mouth which was noticed by his parents 4 days prior to presentation at the General Paediatric Outpatient Clinic. This was misdiagnosed as a Palatal Tumour but it turned out to be an embedded crayfish shell.

Conclusion: The case clearly illustrates the need for a high index of suspicion of foreign bodies when evaluating intra-oral lesions, especially in young children.