Tongue cancer pathophysiology

Tongue cancer Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Tongue cancer from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Staging
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Tongue cancer pathophysiology On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Tongue cancer pathophysiology All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Tongue cancer pathophysiology
CDC on Tongue cancer pathophysiology
Tongue cancer pathophysiology in the news
Blogs on Tongue cancer pathophysiology
Directions to Hospitals Treating Tongue cancer
Risk calculators and risk factors for Tongue cancer pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Simrat Sarai, M.D. [2]

Overview

Genes involved in the pathogenesis of tongue cancer include TP53, c-myc, and erb-b1. On gross pathology, exophytic, ulcerative, and infiltarative growth patterns are characteristic findings of tongue cancer.

Pathophysiology

The mutations in tumor suppressor genes has been reported in patients with tongue cancer. Genes involved in the pathogenesis of tongue cancer include TP53, which is located on chromosome 17. Other oncogenes associated with squamous cell cancers of the tongue include c-myc and erb -b1.

Gross pathology

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the tongue. It typically has three gross morphologic growth patterns: exophytic, ulcerative, and infiltrative. The infiltrative and ulcerative are the types most commonly observed on the tongue.

Pathogenesis

• Leukoplakia and erythroplakia have the greatest potential for malignant transformation.
• Leukoplakia is considered a premalignant condition from the chronic irritation of the mucous membranes, resulting in increased rates of epithelial and connective tissue proliferation.
• Leukoplakia usually occurs after the age of 40 years, with the peak incidence before age 50 years. Leukoplakia is 2-3 times more common in men than in women.
• The rates of malignant transformation of leukoplakic lesions range from less than 1% to as high as 17.5%, averaging 4.5-6%. Erythroleukoplakia (leukoplakia erosiva) and nodular leukoplakia exhibit the highest rate of malignant transformation.
• Erythroplakia is defined as a red, velvety plaque found on the oral mucosa that cannot be ascribed to any other predetermined condition. No sex predilection is recognized in erythroplakia and it is rarely found on the tongue compared with other sites in the oral cavity. Erothroplakia is considered as the earliest sign of asymptomatic cancer by Mashberg.