ABSTRACT
The most common type of cancer affecting the oral cavity and oropharynx is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is estimated to constitute approximately 94% of all oral malignancies (1). Because of this dominance, the term ‘‘oral cancer’’ is used synonymously with oral SCC (2). Others, less commonly encountered carcinomas, are malignant melanoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma, which will be discussed later in this chapter. Carcinomas of minor salivary glands are detailed in the respective chapter in the text.
