ear, nose, and throat disorders
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Prognosis for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
If carcinoma of the tongue is localized (no lymph node involvement), 5-year survival is > 75%. For localized carcinoma of the floor of the mouth, 5-year survival is 75%. Lymph node metastasis decreases survival rate by about half. Metastases reach the regional lymph nodes first and later the lungs. For lower lip lesions, 5-year survival is 90%, and metastases are rare. Carcinoma of the upper lip tends to be more aggressive and metastatic. 