[Squamous cell carcinoma as the most common oral carcinoma. Diagnosis and therapy]

About 5 % of all malignant tumors affect oral cavity. With a share of 95% squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of the malignant tumors of oral mucosa.

In our case the patient developed a squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa about 2 years after excision of verrucous leukoplakia with epithelial dysplasia at the same location. Although chronic alcohol abuse, tobacco use and infection with HPV 16 are the most important risk factors for development of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, our patient had none of these risk factors. We treated the patient in accordance with current guidelines by complete excision of the tumor as well as an elective neck dissection of the ipsilateral side. Untill the present time the patient is free of recurrence.

Although rare, squamous cell carcinoma of oral mucosa may also occur in patients that have no risk factors for it. Therefore, every dental and medical examination in each patient should include an inspection of the entire oral mucosa.