Oral squamous cell carcinoma (oral cancer) can appear as a persisting deep ulceration, a flat or slightly raised lesion, an exophytic papillary or verrucous growth. It is often firm to palpation, and rapidly changes. Oral squamous cell carcinomas are often completely asymptomatic in the initial stages, meaning patients do not present until late – resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Lesions that persist for longer than two weeks require urgent referral for definitive diagnosis.
A thickened exophytic lump on the left dorsal surface of the tongue that had been increasing in size over the previous six to eight weeks. Female patient with long standing oral lichen planus. Biopsy showed this to be a squamous cell carcinoma.
A painful ulcer worsening over a six month period in the posterior right cheek that was painful and very firm to touch. Biopsy showed this to be an invasive squamous cell carcinoma.