Determinants of outcome following surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma.
The recent changes in incidence and prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma in relation to gender and age mirror the changing patterns of exposure to tobacco and alcohol, the main etiological agents. Most cases of oral cancer are managed by surgery, often combined with radiotherapy. Histopathological assessment of the resection specimen provides information vital for postoperative management and prognosis. This review considers the full range of histological determinants of outcome in relation to the primary oral tumor and any metastatic involvement of the cervical lymphatic system, together with an outline of more general patient factors that may also impact on morbidity and mortality rates.
Woolgar
Julia A
JA
Oral Pathology, University of Liverpool Dental Hospital, Liverpool, UK. jaw@liverpool.ac.uk
Hall
Gillian L
GL
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome