Oral Cancer: What the General Surgeon Should Know

Oral cavity cancer represents a heterogeneous group of cancers with unique etiologic, diagnostic, and treatment considerations based on the subsite. While decreases in smoking have resulted in the development of fewer oral cavity cancers, the incidence remains high in certain geographic areas. History and physical examination, as well as tissue biopsy, are key to diagnosis. Although surgical resection is the primary treatment modality for oral cavity cancer, the optimal treatment plan for a patient is an individualized approach accounting for comorbidities, goals of care, and functional outcomes related to speech and swallowing.