Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) staging system: What other prognostic factors should be considered?

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Esam Ahmed Z Omar

Taibah University, Saudi Arabia.

: J Otol Rhinol

Abstract

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Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a remarkably high incidence worldwide, and a fairly serious prognosis, encouraging further research into advanced technologies for non-invasive methods of making early diagnoses, ideally in primary care settings. Objectives: Our purpose was to examine the accuracy of TNMs classification system in assessment of OSCC. Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched to identify prognostic factors of OSCC and other information published between 1985 and 10 August 2014; the searches of MEDLINE and EMBASE were updated to November 2015. The search was restricted to peer reviewed articles published in English. Review Methods: In this review article, the factors of prognosis of OSCC which are not included in TNMs staging system have been reviewed, their effect on the prognosis of the patients and survival rate have been discussed. Results: This study identified 196 studies of prognostic factors, evaluation and assessment of OSCC. Site of the tumour - 38 studies, tumour’s thickness - 52 studies, biological behaviour - 26 studies, OSCC histological variant and effect in prognosis - 38 studies, pattern of invasive front - 19 studies, and stromal lymphocytic infiltrations - 23 studies. All previous factors are important in prognosis of OSCC and are not included routinely in oral cancer patient’s evaluation and assessment. Conclusion: The outcome of OSCC is greatly influenced by the stage of the disease. The TNMs staging system has not included many factors which strongly contribute to prognosis of oral cancer and period of survival rate.

Biography

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Esam Ahmed Z Omar graduated from University of London (Eastman Dental Institute, United Kingdom) after a residency program at UCL Hospitals and Eastman Dental Institute, London, UK, with Master’s Degree and Fellowship of Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland FFDRCSI in 2005. He is a fellow of International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Senior Fellow of Head and Neck Optical Diagnostic Society, London. UK.