Q: What is squamous cell carcinoma?
A: Oral cancer can come in many forms. The most common is called squamous cell carcinoma. The condition may first show itself as a small white area that turns into an open sore with raised, inwardly folding edges. The exact cause of this malignancy is unknown, but contributing factors are irritants like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, broken or uneven teeth, dentures that don't fit properly and overexposure to sunlight.
Any time a sore in the mouth does not heal within two weeks, see your dentist. Your dentist may readily recognize that the condition is a non-malignant fibroma, for instance. If there is a question, however, about the nature of the lesion, your dentist may refer you to an oral pathologist-a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases -or to an oral surgeon.
Depending on the size of the lesion, it may be totally or partially removed and sent for a biopsy, an analysis of its composition. As with any medical problem, the earlier a squamous cell carcinoma is detected, the better the chances of effective treatment. This is why your dentist will examine all portions of your mouth when you go in for a routine visit.
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