Leokoplakia buccalis, also called “smoker’s patch,” and the related keratosis labialis are seen in middle-aged adults, more than 80% of them men. These conditions are characterized early by the appearance of one or two small, thin, often crinkled, pearly patches on the mucous membrane of the tongue, the mouth, or both, due to “keratinization” of the mucosa and sclerosis of its underlying tissue.

Not frequently, cancers start in the keratonized patches.

Carcinoma may arise in any part of the cancer in this area, including cancer of the pharynx, accounts for 3% of all cancer deaths in the United States. Cancers in the mouth and the lips are commonly known as oral cancers.

Males are afflicted 3 ½ times more than females. Of the 7,000 oral cancer deaths annually, the distribution site is estimated as follows: lip (27%), tongue (22%), salivary gland (16%), floor of mouth (14%), other mesopharynx including tonsil (10%).

Squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma constitutes over 90% of all oral cancer. The next most common type arises from the submucous glands, adenocarcinoma. The third grouping includes malignancy of the jawbone. The year cure rate is below 30%.

Alternatively, most causes of oral cancers are not known. However, experts say that oral cancers can be prevented by good dental care and no smoking.

In tobacco chewers, the mucous membranes of the cheek are the commonest site. A jagged tooth and poor dental hygiene may be the cause. Betel and areca nut, used widely for chewing in South India is believed to be related to that country’s high incidence of oral cancer.