Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Squamous cell carcinoma is recognized as the most commonly encountered malignant lesion in the oral cavity. This type of cancer arises from the squamous cells that line the oral mucosa, and its prevalence can be attributed to various risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol use, as well as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

The significance of identifying squamous cell carcinoma lies in its clinical presentation and treatment implications. It typically manifests as non-healing ulcers, leukoplakia, or erythroplakia in the oral regions, making awareness crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.

Other lesions mentioned have their contexts, but they are less commonly found in the oral cavity compared to squamous cell carcinoma. For instance, ameloblastoma is a benign tumor that can be aggressive but does not have the same incidence rate as squamous cell carcinoma. Similarly, basal cell carcinoma primarily occurs in sun-exposed areas of the skin rather than the oral cavity, serving as a reminder that while it's a significant skin cancer, it's not representative of oral malignancies. Osteosarcoma, although it can occur in the jaw, is not as frequently encountered in the oral cavity as squamous cell carcinoma, thereby underscoring its lesser prevalence in this specific context.