Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors: State of the Art

Head and neck (HN) squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) originate from the epithelial cells of the mucosal linings of the upper aerodigestive tract, which includes the oral cavity, the pharynx, the larynx, and the sinonasal cavities. There are many associated risk factors, including alcohol drinking coupled with tobacco use, which accounts for 70% to 80% of HNSCCs. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is another independent risk factor for oropharyngeal SCC, but it is only a minor contributor to oral cavity SCC (OSCC). Betel quid chewing is also an established risk factor in southeast Asian countries. However, OSCC, and especially oral tongue cancer, incidence has been reported to be increasing in several countries, suggesting risk factors that have not been identified yet. This review summarizes the established risk factors for oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas and examines other undemonstrated risk factors for HNSCC.

Automated summary

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSSCs) primarily originate from the mucosal linings of the upper aerodigestive tract and are mainly caused by the combination of alcohol drinking and tobacco use. Human papilloma virus is a risk factor for oropharyngeal SCC, while betel quid chewing is a known risk factor in southeast Asian countries. However, there are unidentified risk factors contributing to the increasing incidence of oral cavity SCC, particularly oral tongue cancer.