Oral Cavity Cancer

Abstract

Management of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma has become increasingly driven by emerging evidence as a result of the improved quality of clinical research associating clinicopathologic risk factors with oncologic and survival outcomes. Multiple significant recent changes to treatment guidelines and staging algorithms for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma reflect evolving understanding of tumor biology and the need for adequately extensive treatment of aggressive disease. This article provides clinicians with a synopsis of the most contemporary management strategies for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, framed within the context of historical treatment philosophies.

Keywords: AJCC staging; Anatomic subsite; Depth of invasion; Maxillofacial surgery; NCCN guidelines; Neck dissection; Oral cavity cancer; Squamous cell carcinoma.