Oral Cancer: A Comprehensive Q&A Guide for Healthcare Professionals,
Exams of Advanced Education
Leukoplakia - ANSWER*thickened, white, firmly attached patches that cannot
easily be scraped off that appear slightly raised and sharply rounded
*most are benign, however, lesions on the lips or tongue are more likely to
progress to cancer
*results from mechanical factors from long-term irritation (poorly fitting
dentures, chronic cheek nibbling, broken or poorly repaired teeth)
Erythroplakia - ANSWER*red, velvety mucosal lesions on the surface of the
oral mucosa
*more malignant changes than leukoplakia; therefore, often considered
precancerous
*most commonly found on the floor of the mouth, tongue, palate, and
mandibular mucosa
Pathophysiology of Oral Cancer - ANSWER*Mucosal erythroplasia is the
earliest sign of oral carcinoma. Oral lesions that appear as red, raised, eroded
areas are suspicious for cancer.
, *A lesion that does not heal w/in 2 weeks or a lump or thickening int eh
check is a symptom that warrants further assessment
Oral Cancer: Major Risk Factors - ANSWER*increasing age
*tobacco use
*alcohol use
Oral Cancer: Additional Risk Factors - ANSWER*periodontal disease
*sun exposure
*poor nutrition habits
*poor oral hygiene
*infection w/ HPV
Basal Cell Carcinoma - ANSWER...of the mouth occurs primarily on the lips. Te
lesion is asymptomatic and resembles a raised scab. With time it evolves into
a characteristic ulcer w/ a raised, pearly border. Basal cell carcinomas do not
metastasize (spread) but can aggressively involve the skin of the face. MAJOR
RISK FACTOR is excessive sunlight exposure
Kaposi's Sarcoma - ANSWERmalignant lesion in blood vessels, appearing as a
raised, purple nodule or plaque, which is usually painless. Int he the mouth
the hard palate is the most commons site, but it can be found also on the
gums, tongue, or tonsils. Most often associated w/ AIDS
Key Features of Oral Cancer - ANSWER*Bleeding from mouth
*Poor appetite
*Difficulty chewing
Exams of Advanced Education
Leukoplakia - ANSWER*thickened, white, firmly attached patches that cannot
easily be scraped off that appear slightly raised and sharply rounded
*most are benign, however, lesions on the lips or tongue are more likely to
progress to cancer
*results from mechanical factors from long-term irritation (poorly fitting
dentures, chronic cheek nibbling, broken or poorly repaired teeth)
Erythroplakia - ANSWER*red, velvety mucosal lesions on the surface of the
oral mucosa
*more malignant changes than leukoplakia; therefore, often considered
precancerous
*most commonly found on the floor of the mouth, tongue, palate, and
mandibular mucosa
Pathophysiology of Oral Cancer - ANSWER*Mucosal erythroplasia is the
earliest sign of oral carcinoma. Oral lesions that appear as red, raised, eroded
areas are suspicious for cancer.
, *A lesion that does not heal w/in 2 weeks or a lump or thickening int eh
check is a symptom that warrants further assessment
Oral Cancer: Major Risk Factors - ANSWER*increasing age
*tobacco use
*alcohol use
Oral Cancer: Additional Risk Factors - ANSWER*periodontal disease
*sun exposure
*poor nutrition habits
*poor oral hygiene
*infection w/ HPV
Basal Cell Carcinoma - ANSWER...of the mouth occurs primarily on the lips. Te
lesion is asymptomatic and resembles a raised scab. With time it evolves into
a characteristic ulcer w/ a raised, pearly border. Basal cell carcinomas do not
metastasize (spread) but can aggressively involve the skin of the face. MAJOR
RISK FACTOR is excessive sunlight exposure
Kaposi's Sarcoma - ANSWERmalignant lesion in blood vessels, appearing as a
raised, purple nodule or plaque, which is usually painless. Int he the mouth
the hard palate is the most commons site, but it can be found also on the
gums, tongue, or tonsils. Most often associated w/ AIDS
Key Features of Oral Cancer - ANSWER*Bleeding from mouth
*Poor appetite
*Difficulty chewing
