Recently increased frequency of early onset squamous cell carcinoma (EOSCC) in young patients has been detected. Classic risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption are not related to EOSCC. We report a case of EOSCC with no identifiable definite risk factor. A 32-year-old man with compliant of severe radiating pain and an ulcerated mass,1.5 X 2cm in size, was referred to oral medicine department of Mashhad dental faculty .the surface of the lesion was granular and indurated margins were evident. The patient was from a high socioeconomic group with no history of smoking or alcohol consumption, drug abuse or unusual sexual habit. The only probable risk factor was low content of fresh fruits and vegetables in dietary program. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was designated and confirmed by histopathologic examination. None of tested viruses (Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) 16, 18, Epstein Bar Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Human Herpes Virus (HSV)) were found by PCR. It seems that EOSCC has different clinical and demographic characteristics that necessitate further studies in different populations.

Key words: oral cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, young patient, case report