ORAL EPIDERMOID CARCINOMA WITH DIVERSE CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS: A CASE SERIES

Abstract

Oral epidermoid carcinoma (OEC) is malignant neoplasia arising from the oral epithelium, comprising most of 90% of cancers in the oral cavity. Lip carcinoma is related to ultraviolet radiation exposure, and intra-oral carcinomas are related to tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. About 15% of oropharyngeal lesions are related to HPV. OEC can affect any area of the oral mucosa. We report a series of 11 cases of OEC, with distinct appearance and localization, affecting males and females aged 34 to 90 years, with or without a history of exposure to risk factors. Lesions varied from small leukoplastic plaques to endophytic tumors with significant bone invasion. When indicated, radiographs and CT scans showed hypodense lesions with extensive bone destruction. OECs were diagnosed by incisional biopsy, and the treatments included surgery resection, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy, depending on the TNM stages. The prognosis varied according to tumor size, lymph node invasion, and/or distant metastasis. Oral epidermoid carcinoma (OEC) is malignant neoplasia arising from the oral epithelium, comprising most of 90% of cancers in the oral cavity. Lip carcinoma is related to ultraviolet radiation exposure, and intra-oral carcinomas are related to tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. About 15% of oropharyngeal lesions are related to HPV. OEC can affect any area of the oral mucosa. We report a series of 11 cases of OEC, with distinct appearance and localization, affecting males and females aged 34 to 90 years, with or without a history of exposure to risk factors. Lesions varied from small leukoplastic plaques to endophytic tumors with significant bone invasion. When indicated, radiographs and CT scans showed hypodense lesions with extensive bone destruction. OECs were diagnosed by incisional biopsy, and the treatments included surgery resection, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy, depending on the TNM stages. The prognosis varied according to tumor size, lymph node invasion, and/or distant metastasis.