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The incidence of mouth cancer in the UK has increased more than 30% during the past decade and the overall 5-year survival remains poor, at approximately 55%. A number of risk factors for mouth cancer has been identified, and all dental professionals should be aware of these, and, where possible, provide intervention. Some cases of mouth cancer arise in a pre-existing mucosal condition, known as an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD). Awareness of the presence of an OPMD, or any mucosal changes that fulfil the criteria for urgent suspected cancer (USC) in primary care, should lead to an appropriate referral to specialist services.
CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper provides a review of the risk factors for mouth cancer and potentially malignant disorders.
Article
The majority (90%) of malignant tumours that occur in the mouth represent squamous cell carcinoma arising within the mucosal epithelium. The incidence of mouth cancer is increasing in many countries, including the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, despite improvements in treatment, the 5-year survival following diagnosis remains poor, at approximately 55%.1 The single most important factor that can improve the individual outcome is detection of the tumour whilst small, specifically 2 cm or less in diameter with no regional node involvement or distant metastases (stage I). Patients with a tumour detected at stage I are associated with an 85% 5-year survival, compared to those with stage IV (greater than 4 cm in diameter with regional node involvement and possible distant metastasis), for whom the 5-year survival is only 10%.1,2
Squamous cell carcinoma represents epithelial cell turnover that is out of normal control (Figure 1).
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