Oral cancer and oral effects of anticancer therapy.

The term "oral cancer" generally refers to squamous cell carcinoma of oral mucosal origin, which accounts for more than 90% of all malignancies of this location. Although a relatively uncommon disease in the United States, this malignancy is nonetheless important, as it accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. Approximately half of the estimated 30 thousand cases diagnosed annually in this country have a fatal outcome. Survivors of the surgical and medical management may suffer from sequelae of treatment ranging from pain and infection to partial or total disfigurement and loss of stomatognathic function. Such high morbidity and mortality are truly regrettable, since many of these malignancies are preventable. This article will review recent developments in the epidemiology, treatment and chemoprevention of oral squamous cell carcinoma as they relate to early diagnosis, and management of the oral cancer patient.