NEET PG High-Yield: Oral Cancer
Oral cavity cancer is one of the most common malignancies in India, strongly linked to tobacco and areca nut consumption.
Epidemiology & Risk Factors
| Factor | Significance |
|---|---|
| Tobacco | Smoking and smokeless (Gutkha, Khaini) are the leading causes. |
| Areca Nut | Proven carcinogen, major contributor to Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF). |
| Alcohol | Acts synergistically with tobacco to increase risk. |
Pre-cancerous Lesions & Conditions
- Leukoplakia: A white patch that cannot be wiped off.
- Erythroplakia: Red patch; higher malignant transformation rate than leukoplakia.
- Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF): Characterized by trismus and blanching of mucosa; caused primarily by areca nut.
High-Yield NEET PG Pearls:
- Commonest Histology: Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC).
- Commonest Site: Buccal mucosa (in India, due to smokeless tobacco habits).
- Screening: Visual inspection of the oral cavity is the recommended screening method in community settings.
- Prevention: Tobacco cessation interventions are the most effective public health strategies.
- Staging: TNM classification (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) is used for clinical management.