6.8.5: 5. AfHNS Guidelines for Evaluation of Oral Cancer- Key Points
- Page ID
- 18407
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- 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