Oral cancer is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early presentations of oral cancer are usually asymptomatic, whereas late presentations include pain, discomfort, reduced mobility of the tongue, increased mobility of the teeth or an inability to wear dentures. Oral cancer varies in appearance and can mimic many other oral mucosal diseases.
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| Squamous cell carcinoma of the left anterior ventral surface of the tongue |
Oral cancer can mimic many other oral mucosal diseases, so early specialist referral is required for investigation and biopsy of any suspicious lesion.
Any suspicious lesion needs early specialist referral for investigation and biopsy.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral malignancy, which arises from the epithelium of the oral cavity. Oral squamous cell carcinoma can affect any part of the oral mucosa; however, it most commonly occurs on the lateral surfaces of the tongue, the floor of the mouth or the gingivae.
Risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma
- advanced age
- male gender
- smoking or tobacco use
- alcohol use
- infection by oncogenic viruses (eg human papillomavirus)
- personal or family history of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
- history of cancer therapy
- prolonged immunosuppression
- areca nut (betel quid) chewing.
- Genetic susceptibility, environment, occupation and diet may also contribute to the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Cancers originating from the salivary glands and supporting nonepithelial tissues are less common than squamous cell carcinoma. Metastatic cancers to the oral soft tissues and jawbones commonly originate from primary malignancies in the breast, prostate, kidneys or lungs. Leukaemia and lymphoma may also present in the oral cavity.
The treating specialist should perform the biopsy of an oral mucosal lesion. In rural or remote areas where a delay in specialist review is expected, seek expert advice on biopsy technique. A punch biopsy is not appropriate.
References:
Therapeutic guidelines (Oral & Dental) 2019