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Malignant tumors of the oral cavity in general practice


Authors: S. Adamcová 1;  J. Štembírek 1,2,3;  J. Belobradová 1,2;  A. Krayzel 1,2;  T. Blažek 4;  J. Mičaník 5;  L. Pliska 6;  P. Hurník 7;  M. Bereš 8;  J. Stránský 1,2;  O. Res 1,2;  D. Gedeonová 1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava, Klinika ústní, čelistní a obličejové chirurgie 1;  Ostravská univerzita, Lékařská fakulta, Katedra zubního lékařství 2;  Akademie věd Brno, Ústav živočišné fyziologie a genetiky, Laboratoř molekulární morfogeneze 3;  Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava, Onkologická klinika 4;  Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava, Ústav radiodiagnostický 5;  Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava, Centrum plastické chirurgie a chirurgie ruky 6;  Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava, Ústav klinické a molekulární patologie a lékařské genetiky 7;  Univerzita P. J. Šafárika v Košiciach, Klinika stomatológie a maxilofaciálnej chirurgie, SR 8
Published in: Prakt. Lék. 2026; 106(3): 125-130
Category: Case Report

Overview

Malignant tumours of the oral cavity represent a serious group of diseases whose prognosis is closely linked to the timeliness of diagnosis. The general practitioner can make a significant contribution to the early detection of suspicious lesions and to shortening the diagnostic delay within the framework of preventive examinations. This paper presents three case reports of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, illustrating different clinical scenarios: late tumour detection, long-term follow-up of a potentially malignant lesion with subsequent transformation, and a recurrent aggressive disease course. The case reports emphasize the importance of systematic intraoral and extraoral examination, correct interpretation of non-healing mucosal lesions, and timely biopsy or referral to a specialized centre. Early diagnosis is associated with less burdensome treatment, better quality of life, and a more favourable prognosis for patients.

Keywords:

early diagnosis – Primary care – overall survival – oral squamous cell carcinoma – oral cavity cancer – general dental practitioner


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