An erosive lesion of the buccal mucosa revealing an early squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common epithelial malignant neoplasm affecting the oral cavity. It accounts for 90% of all oral cancers. It usually arises from a pre-existing potentially malignant lesion, and occasionally de novo. The use of tobacco, betel quid and alcohol are well known risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Early detection is an important criterion for achieving high cure rate. Occasionally, OSCC may be misdiagnosed because of its variable and innocuous clinical appearance. We report the case of an early presentation of Oral squamous cell carcinoma in a patient aged 70 without preexisting risk factors, with a painful and soft erosion in the buccal mucosa for 2 months. The lesion resembled other benign lesions, but biopsy was mandatory and revealed an early squamous cell carcinoma.

Outcomes of Treating Early Glottic Neoplasms With a Potassium Titanyl Phosphate Laser

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of treating glottic dysplasia and early squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) photoangiolytic laser ablation. Methods: Patient demographics, comorbidities, and tumor characteristics were recorded. Perceptual, patient-reported, and objective voice outcomes were assessed. Use of treatment modalities in addition to the KTP laser, development of locoregional or metastatic SCC, and overall survival were recorded. Results: There were 23 patients with glottic dysplasia and 18 patients with glottic SCC. Mean age at treatment was 69 years. Most patients (95%) were male. Posttreatment fundamental frequency fell from 132 ± 35 to 116 ± 24 Hz ( P = .03). Overall, 61% of patients achieved a normal voice. There was a learning-curve, and most treatment failures occurred in the first half of the series. Five-year KTP-only disease-control rates were 87.1% and 53.5% for dysplasia and malignancy, respectively. Five-year overall survival was 56%, with no laryngectomies or deaths due to SCC. Conclusions: Ablating dysplasia and early glottic cancer using a KTP laser is a viable treatment option. It has a learning curve and a failure rate but, in this series, no ultimate loss of oncologic control. Its introduction into clinical practice should be managed carefully in the context of multidisciplinary cancer care. Level of Evidence: 4.