Oral cavity

MyPathologyReport
September 5, 2023

What is the oral cavity?

The oral cavity is the beginning of the aerodigestive tract. The oral cavity starts at the lips and ends in a part of the throat called the oropharynx. The oral cavity is made up of multiple parts including the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, gingiva, buccal mucosa, hard palate, and retromolar trigone.

The inner surface of the oral cavity is covered by specialized squamous cells. that form a barrier called the epithelium. The tissue below the epithelium is called the stroma. Pathologists use the word mucosa to describe tissue that includes both the epithelium and the stroma.

What is the most common type of oral cavity cancer?

The most common type of oral cavity cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma. It starts from the squamous cells normally found on the inside surface of the oral cavity.

What is the most common type of noncancerous tumour in the oral cavity?

The most common type of noncancerous tumour in the oral cavity is called a fibroma. Most are caused by trauma such as biting the cheek or tongue. Another very common type of noncancerous tumour in the oral cavity is called a squamous papilloma.

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