Oral Cancer and Metastasis. The Importance of the Dentist in Early Diagnosis. Presentation of a clinical case and review of the literature
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29166/odontologia.vol27.n2.2025-e8182Keywords:
oral cancer, staging of neoplasms, lymph node metastasisAbstract
Head and neck lesions represent 5% of all neoplasias in the body and 2% of those in the oral cavity. The overall 5-year mortality rate is 50%, hence the importance of early diagnosis. The increased prevalence in individuals under 40 years of age is significant. Oral health professionals are responsible for the early diagnosis of lesions that can become malignant and oral cancer in its earliest stages. Several etiological factors are implicated: tobacco (smoked or chewed), alcohol consumption, diet, immunosuppression, viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV), the presence of premalignant lesions, and, some authors argue, local traumatic factors. A clinical case of oral cancer is presented to educate the scientific community, both students and health professionals.
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