oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) can manifest in various ways, depending on its stage and location within the oral cavity.

• Early presentations: The most common early signs of OSCC are leukoplakias and erythroplakias. These lesions may appear as white patches or red spots on the mucous membranes.
• Advanced lesions: More advanced OSCC can manifest as a painless ulcer, a tumorous mass, or a verrucous (papillary) growth in the oral cavity.

The earliest form of squamous cell cancer is called carcinoma in situ, where the cancer cells are only present in the epithelium, the top layer of cells lining the oral cavity and oropharynx [6].

OSCC often appears at mucosal junctions, which are areas where two different types of tissues meet. This predilection for mucosal junctions is a characteristic feature of squamous cell carcinomas [7].

Symptoms of OSCC can include sores or lumps in the mouth, a sore throat, and white patches on the mucous membranes [8].

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) Signs and Symptoms

Oral squamous cell carcinoma, also known as OSCC, is a type of cancer that affects the mouth and throat area. The signs and symptoms of OSCC can vary from person to person, but here are some common ones:

• Pain: Pain in the mouth or throat is one of the most frequent presentations of OSCC [3].
• Sore in the mouth: A sore in the mouth that doesn't heal within a few weeks can be an early sign of OSCC [6].
• Unusual bleeding: Unusual bleeding or blood spots in the mouth

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) diagnosis involves various tests to confirm the presence and extent of cancer in the oral cavity. Here are some diagnostic tests used for OSCC:

• Complete head and neck exam: A thorough examination by a healthcare professional to check for any abnormalities or symptoms related to OSCC [2].
• Panendoscopy: A procedure that involves direct visualization of the upper aerodigestive tract using an endoscope, which can help identify lesions or tumors in the oral cavity [8].
• Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the suspected tumor site and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells [2][9].
• Exfoliative cytology: Cells are scraped from the surface of the oral mucosa, and a laboratory examination can help identify abnormal cell growth [3].
• Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans may be used to assess the extent of cancer spread and involvement of surrounding tissues [5][6].

Additionally, blood tests such as complete blood count (CBC) may also be ordered to evaluate the overall health status and potential effects of cancer on the body [6].

It's worth noting that a combination of these diagnostic tests is often necessary to confirm OSCC diagnosis and determine the extent of cancer spread.

References: [1] Not applicable [2] Context 2: Mar 23, 2021 — Tests to find oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer [3] Context 3: by T Walsh · 2021 · Cited by 295 — ‐ Oral cytology: a brush is used to remove cells from the suspected abnormal area that are sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination. [4] Not applicable [5] Context 5: Apr 30, 2024 — Imaging tests may include X-ray, CT, MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, among others. [6] Context 6: CT Scan; MRI; PET scan. Blood Tests. A complete blood count (CBC) that will examine the number of red blood cells and platelets, [7] Not applicable [8] Context 8: by IE Map — Most carcinomas of the oral cavity do not need a “panendoscopy” for definitive diagnosis. [9] Context 9: by T Walsh · 2021 · Cited by 295 — ‐ Oral cytology: a brush is used to remove cells from the suspected abnormal area that are sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination.

Treatment Options for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a type of cancer that affects the mouth and throat. The treatment options for OSCC depend on the stage and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient.

• Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for OSCC. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor and some surrounding tissue to ensure that all cancer cells are removed.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery to treat OSCC.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells. It is often used in conjunction with radiation therapy to treat OSCC.

Targeted Therapies

In addition to traditional treatments, targeted therapies are being explored as potential treatment options for OSCC.

• Monoclonal Antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, target specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells. They can help slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.
• Nanoparticles: Nanoparticles are tiny particles that can be used to deliver medications directly to cancer cells. They may help reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes.

Current Research

Researchers are actively exploring new treatments for OSCC, including:

• Concurrent Cetuximab: Concurrent cetuximab is a combination of cetuximab and chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Carboplatin/5FU: Carboplatin/5FU is a combination of carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which are both chemotherapy medications.

References

1. [4] The treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) includes systemic chemotherapy and is associated with aggressive side effects on ...
2. [5] Currently, a variety of targeted therapeutic drugs are being tested in various clinical trials in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)
3. [7] Other possible options include concurrent cetuximab, carboplatin/5FU, carboplatin/paclitaxel, or the use of accelerated radiation.
4. [8] Radiation therapy is an alternative treatment. Chemotherapy is not used routinely as primary therapy but is recommended as ad

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) Differential Diagnosis

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a type of cancer that affects the mouth and lips. When diagnosing OSCC, it's essential to consider other conditions that