obsolete malignant neoplasm of lip, oral cavity and pharynx

The description of an obsolete malignant neoplasm of lip, oral cavity, and pharynx refers to a type of cancer that was previously recognized as a distinct entity, but is no longer considered a separate condition in modern medical classification systems.

According to the provided context [14], this term is now considered "obsolete" and has been replaced by more specific and accurate descriptions. The preferred name for this condition is now simply "malignant neoplasm of lip, oral cavity, and pharynx", which encompasses a broader range of cancers affecting these areas.

In medical terminology, an "obsolete" term refers to a concept or classification that was previously used but has since been replaced by more up-to-date and accurate information. This is often the case as new research and discoveries are made, leading to refinements in our understanding of diseases and their classifications.

It's worth noting that while this specific term may be considered obsolete, the underlying cancers affecting the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx remain a significant public health concern [4].

Common Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of malignant neoplasms of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx can vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer. However, some common symptoms include:

• A sore or lump on the lips or in the mouth that doesn't heal [10][11]
• A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth [11]
• Unexplained pain in the mouth, throat, ear, or jaw [14]
• Trouble eating or swallowing due to difficulty chewing or speaking [12]
• Loose teeth or changes in the way food tastes or smells [12]

Specific Symptoms by Location

The symptoms can also vary depending on the location of the tumor:

• Lip cancer: A sore or lump on the lip that doesn't heal, or a red or white patch on the lip [7][13]
• Oral cavity cancer: A sore or lump in the mouth that doesn't heal, or changes in the way food tastes or smells [10][11]
• Pharynx cancer: Pain or difficulty swallowing due to a tumor in the throat [14]

Early Warning Signs

It's essential to note that early oral cancer is often asymptomatic, which contributes to delayed diagnosis. Any single ulcerated lesion persisting for more than 2-3 weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional [3].

These symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, so it's crucial to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

References:

[7] - There are two types of lip cancer: squamous cell and basal cell. The most common type of lip cancer begins in the squamous cells, the thin, flat cells that cover the lips. [10] - A sore on the lip or in the mouth that doesn't heal; [11] - A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth; [12] - As oral cancer becomes more advanced, though, we start seeing pain and more functional symptoms, such as trouble eating, slurred speech, and loose teeth that can make chewing difficult. [13] - Signs of lip and oral cavity cancer include a sore or lump on the lips or in the mouth. Tests that examine the mouth and throat are used to diagnose and stage lip and oral cavity cancer. [14] - A number of symptoms can be associated with oral cancer, including mouth, throat, ear, and jaw pain. These symptoms will vary depending on the location of the tumor as well as how far the cancer has spread.

Diagnostic Tests for Malignant Neoplasm of Lip, Oral Cavity, and Pharynx

The diagnostic tests for malignant neoplasm of lip, oral cavity, and pharynx have evolved over time. While some tests may be considered obsolete, others remain relevant in modern clinical practice.

• Barium Swallow: A barium swallow test was once used to detect irregularities in the larynx, pharynx, mouth, and surrounding areas (11). However, this test is no longer commonly used for diagnosing oral cancer.
• Biopsy: Biopsy remains a crucial diagnostic tool for confirming oral cancer. It involves taking a sample of tissue from the affected area, which is then examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present (11).
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy was mentioned as a test used to diagnose oral cavity cancer when symptoms or a routine exam suggest a problem (7). However, its relevance in modern practice may be limited.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans are still widely used to determine whether cancer has spread beyond the mouth (3, 6, 10).

Current Diagnostic Standards

The current diagnostic standard for malignant neoplasm of lip, oral cavity, and pharynx involves surgical biopsy with histology (12). This method is considered painful for patients and may involve a delay in processing the sample.

References:

• [11] - A barium swallow test may show irregularities in the larynx, pharynx, mouth, and surrounding areas.
• [3] - Imaging tests may include X-ray, CT, MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, among others.
• [6] - Imaging tests may include computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET).
• [10] - Imaging tests used for floor of the mouth cancer may include X-rays and scans such as CT, MRI, and positron emission tomography, also called PET.
• [12] - The current diagnostic standard of surgical biopsy with histology is painful for patients and involves a delay in order to process the sample.

Treatment Options for Obsolete Malignant Neoplasms of Lip, Oral Cavity, and Pharynx

The treatment options for obsolete malignant neoplasms of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx have evolved over time. While surgery remains a primary treatment option, targeted drug therapy has emerged as an effective approach in recent years.

Targeted Drug Therapy

• Cetuximab: A commonly prescribed targeted drug used to treat oral cancer, which targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) [5].
• Bleomycin Sulfate, Hydrea (Hydroxyurea), and other chemotherapy drugs are also used in combination with radiation therapy or as a standalone treatment option [2, 6].

Chemotherapy

• Common chemotherapy drugs for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer include cisplatin and fluorouracil (5FU) [6].
• Chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the National Cancer Institute and other experts are also considered in treatment planning [15].

Treatment Recommendations

• Treatment recommendations include the use of single-agent or combination chemotherapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer [7].
• A combination of surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments may be considered if surgery was used to treat the lesion initially [10].

Prognostic Factors

• Early cancers (stage I and stage II) of the lip and oral cavity are highly curable by surgery or radiation therapy [12].
• A positive surgical margin or a tumor depth of more than 5 mm can affect treatment outcomes [12].

Estimated New Cases and Deaths

• Estimated new cases and deaths from cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx in the United States in 2024: New cases: 58,450 [14].

References:

[1] Enlarge Anatomy of the oral cavity. [2] Dec 13, 2023 — Drugs Approved for Head and Neck Cancer [5] Cetuximab is a commonly prescribed targeted drug used to treat oral cancer. [6] Common chemotherapy drugs for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer are cisplatin and fluorouracil (5FU). [7] Sep 8, 2023 — Treatment recommendations include the use of single-agent or combination chemotherapy. [10] Treatment options for metastatic and recurrent lip and oral cavity cancer include: Surgery is the preferred treatment if radiation therapy was used initially.[ [12] Prognostic Factors. Early cancers (stage I and stage II) of the lip and oral cavity are highly curable by surgery or radiation therapy. [14] Estimated new cases and deaths from cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx in the United States in 2024: New cases: 58,450.

Differential Diagnosis of Malignant Neoplasms of Lip, Oral Cavity, and Pharynx

The differential diagnosis for malignant neoplasms of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx can be extensive. Here are some key considerations:

• Actinic Keratosis: A lump on the vermillion border of the lip may suggest actinic keratosis, a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) [1].
• Erythroplasia: Brightly colored lesions in the oral cavity can be indicative of erythroplasia, another potential precursor to SCC [2].
• Minor Salivary Gland Carcinomas: These are uncommon tumors that represent less than 5% of oral cavity cancers [3].

Common Malignant Neoplasms

The most common malignant neoplasm of the lip is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which accounts for approximately 40% of all lip cancers [13]. SCC can also occur in other parts of the oral cavity, including the lateral border of the tongue and the floor of the mouth.

Other Considerations

• Metastatic Neoplasms: Tumors that metastasize to the oral cavity are rare, making up only 1% of all oral cancers [10]. These tumors are often adenocarcinomas originating from other primary locations such as breast, lung, or kidney.
• Salivary Gland Tumors: While not typically malignant, salivary gland tumors can occur on the lips and may be difficult to distinguish from benign lesions [11].

Key Takeaways

When considering a differential diagnosis for malignant neoplasms of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx, it is essential to consider the following:

• SCC is the most common malignant neoplasm of the lip.
• Actinic keratosis and erythroplasia are potential precursors to SCC.
• Minor salivary gland carcinomas are uncommon but should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
• Metastatic neoplasms and salivary gland tumors can also occur in these regions.

References:

[1] May 5, 2021 — Actinic Keratosis [2] May 5, 2021 — Erythroplasia [3] by PH Montero · 2015 · Cited by 837 — Non-squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity are uncommon. [10] Carcinomas that metastasize to the oral cavity are rare. [11] Salivary gland tumors can occur on the lips and may be difficult to distinguish from benign lesions. [13] SCC of the lip is the most common malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity with an incidence of 40%.