Malignant Neoplasms of the Oral Cavity

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma is unique among other head and neck cancer primary sites. The major preventable risk factors are well established and the ability to detect abnormal lesions during an office exam should result in early diagnosis. Despite this, advanced-stage oral cavity carcinoma is diagnosed all too often and carries with it a compromised prognosis and the likelihood of a significant impact on a patient's functional capacity for speech and swallowing following multimodality treatment. This chapter will review the various etiologies and the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor development and recurrence. Additionally, the topics of oral anatomy, assessment of tumor presentation, current treatment philosophies, and reconstruction will be reviewed.