Oral squamous cell carcinoma: a literature review of patient profile, clinical staging and proposed treatment

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant neoplasm originating in the oral epithelium and accounting for some 95% of malignant oral lesions. In Brazil, cancer of the mouth shows the 5th highest cancer incidence in men and the 7th highest in women. This paper reviews the variables gender, age, occupation, schooling, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to sunlight, clinical staging (TNM system), and proposed treatment. Seventyfive articles were included. Lesions were observed most frequently in the tongue, followed by the floor of the mouth. Most cases occurred in white individuals in their fifties to seventies. At the time of diagnosis, most patients had advanced-stage lesions (III or IV). Factors most associated with oral cancer were smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to sunlight. These factors can also complicate the natural course and prognosis. Delayed diagnosis was frequent and complicated the initially proposed treatment.