Oral and oropharyngeal tumors

Abstract

There is a large variability of tumors and tumor-like lesions, which are located in the oral cavity and oropharynx. But more than 90% of all tumors in this area are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Other malignancies in this location are rare. About 10% of all oral and oropharyngeal tumors are benign. Congenital lesions, like vascular malformations, lingual thyroid or (epi-)dermoid cyst, usually become present in youth or childhood. Acquired lesions can be inflammatory (abscess) or neoplastic (pleomorphic adenoma and hemangioma). Preferred imaging in childhood are ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while in adults usually computed tomography (CT) and MRI are more frequently used.