Fortnightly review: Oral cancer

Abstract

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity is increasing. The use of tobacco, in all forms, is major risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma; tobacco acts synergistically with alcohol. Squamous cell carcinoma presents intra-orally as a non-healing ulcer, or a white or red patch. A biopsy done under local anaesthesia is the single most important investigation in diagnosing oral cancer. Five year survival rates for cancer of the lip are good but are low for other forms of mouth cancers, especially if the lesions are large at the time of diagnosis.