Ear, nose & throat · UKMLA & AKT
Oral cavity cancer
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise oral cavity cancer — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Over 90% of oral cavity cancers are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising from stratified squamous epithelium
- HPV (type 16) is a major risk factor - particularly in younger, non-smoking patients; up to 93% of oropharyngeal cancers in Western Europe are HPV-positive
- HPV oncogenesis: E6 inactivates p53, E7 inactivates pRb - disrupting cell cycle and preventing apoptosis
- Tobacco + alcohol act synergistically (not just additively) as risk factors
Unlock the full Oral cavity cancer revision
Get the complete high-yield notes (6 more sections covering investigations, management and complications), 10 practice questions, mock exams and AI tutoring. Start free.