Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 90% of all oral cancers. It may affect any anatomical site in the mouth, but most commonly the tongue and the floor of the mouth. It usually arises from a pre-existing potentially malignant lesion, and occasionally de novo; but in either case from within a field of precancerized epithelium. The use of tobacco and betel quid, heavy drinking of alcoholic beverages and a diet low in fresh fruits and vegetables are well known risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Important risk factors related to the carcinoma itself that are associated with a poor prognosis include large size of the tumour at the time of diagnosis, the presence of metastases in regional lymphnodes, and a deep invasive front of the tumour. Squamous cell carcinoma is managed by surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy singularly or in combination; but regardless of the treatment modality, the five-year survival rate is poor at about 50%. This can be attributed to the fact that about two-thirds of persons with oral squamous cell carcinoma already have a large lesion at the time of diagnosis.
Highlights
IntroductionMore than 90% of all oral cancers are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) [2,3]
Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide [1]
Important risk factors related to the carcinoma itself that are associated with a poor prognosis include large size of the tumour at the time of diagnosis, the presence of metastases in regional lymphnodes, and a deep invasive front of the tumour
Summary
More than 90% of all oral cancers are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) [2,3]. The most important risk factors for oral SCC are use of tobacco or betel quid and the regular drinking of alcoholic beverages. The highest incidence and prevalence of oral SCC is found in the Indian subcontinent where the risk of developing oral SCC is increased by the very prevalent habits of chewing tobacco, betel quid and areca-nut [2]. The mutagenic effects of tobacco, alcohol, betel quid or areca-nut are dependent upon dose, upon frequency and upon duration of use, and are accelerated and exaggerated by the concurrent use of two or more of these agents [4]. The incidence and prevalence of oral SCC are increasing, in younger persons [5,6]. The aim of this article is to review the epidemiology, clinical features, and prognosis of oral SCC
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