Evaluation of Oral Cancer: Key points

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common oral cancer
Histological diagnosis is essential and to exclude other malignancies like minor salivary cancers , melanoma, and inflammatory (e.g. TB) and traumatic causes
Surgery +/- adjuvant radiation therapy offers the best chance of cure for SCC of the oral cavity
Objectives of preoperative evaluation
- Confirm diagnosis
- Stage the cancer
- Decide whether to offer curative or palliative treatment
- Patient evaluation: Fitness, objectives, ability to complete surgery and postoperative radiation therapy, and ability to deal with the long-term consequences of treatment
- Surgery
  - Plan appropriate surgery
  - Avoid inappropriate surgery
  - Avoid surgery beyond the scope of the surgeon