Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective
To propose a clinical classification system for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) based on lesion characteristics, aiming to enhance early recognition and initial clinical diagnostic hypothesis rate in clinical practice.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 422
OSCC
cases was conducted from 2005 to 2023. Lesions were clinically categorized through clinical photographs as either “conventional” (including non‐ulcerated plaques; red, white, or mixed and ulcerated infiltrative lesions with raised indurated margins) or “atypical” (different from the one described above) based on their presentation. Atypical cases were further subclassified into morphological types.
Results
Of the 422 OSCC cases, 316 (74.9%) were classified as conventional and 106 (25.1%) as atypical. Conventional cases were predominantly ulcerative or leukoplakic, while atypical cases exhibited fissure‐like and exophytic patterns. Tongue border was most commonly affected in conventional OSCC, while floor of the mouth and buccal mucosa predominated in atypical forms.
Conclusion
Approximately one‐quarter of OSCC cases present with atypical clinical features. The proposed classification provides a practical tool for clinicians to recognize these variants. However, further prospective validation is warranted to determine whether its application improves clinical recognition and diagnostic accuracy.