Squamous-cell carcinoma of the lip and tongue

Abstract

s QUAMOUS-CELL carcinoma or epidermoid carcinoma is one of the most frequently encountered malignancies of the oral cavity. It occurs wherever squamous or trans#itional epithelium is found, particularly in skin, mouth, tongue, larynx, cervix uteri, and urinary bladder.5 It is more common in men than in women and is considered somewhat rare in the Negro race. The most common sites of appearance are the lower lip and the tongue, two areas which should always be included in routine examination. Squamous-cell carcinoma of the lower lip is generally seen on the vermilion border about halfway between the commissure and the midline. On the tongue, it is most often seen on the lateral border or the ventral surface. Diagnosis presents a comparatively favorable prognosis unless the lesion is very extensive. Squamous-cell carcinoma of the lip will usually metastasize early, involving the submaxillary lymph nodes. In carcinoma of the tongue, metastasis also occurs early and involves the subdigastric group of lymph nodes. According to Burket,G oropharyngeal epidermoid carcinoma, squamous-cell type, comprises one-third of all head and neck malignancies. In the oral cavity alone, squamous-cell carcinoma makes up nearly 90 per cent of all mucous membrane malignancies.