Oral squamous carcinoma, also known as oral squamous cell carcinoma, is a pathological subtype of oral cancer. Oral squamous carcinoma is difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis because of the infiltration and spread of cancer cells to surrounding tissues or distal metastasis in the early stage of development. So, what are the pathological characteristics of oral squamous carcinoma? How to distinguish oral squamous carcinoma? Pathological characteristics of oral squamous carcinoma Oral squamous carcinoma often develops on the tongue, cheek, gums, maxillary sinus, etc. In the early stage, it often appears as white spots of oral mucosa with rough surface. Oral squamous carcinoma often metastasizes to lymph nodes in the early stage and can metastasize to distant places when the disease progresses to advanced stage, which seriously affects the life and health safety of patients. Clinically, oral squamous carcinoma can occur in the squamous epithelium of oral mucosa or skin, which is mostly formed by the proliferation of squamous epithelium. The proliferating epithelium invades into the connective tissue and forms many interconnected nests of cells (cancer nests); in the nests, the keratinization process similar to that of epidermis takes place, forming lamellar vesicles, called cancer beads. The periphery of the nests, which are arranged with cells equivalent to the basal layer, is connected to the mesenchyme of the connective tissue. When oral squamous carcinoma is not keratinized, its nest is composed of squamous epithelial cells with the same morphology, and there are slightly polymorphic cells in between, which is called non-keratinized squamous carcinoma, and its malignancy is higher. 4 early signs and symptoms of oral cancer 1. lump There is an unexplained lump in the mouth or neck (not necessarily painful when touched). 2.Tongue movement and perception Restriction of tongue movement, resulting in difficulty in chewing, swallowing or speaking, or loss of perception or numbness on the half side of the tongue, the cause should be identified as soon as possible. 3.Jaw bone and teeth Local enlargement of the jaw bone leads to facial asymmetry, sometimes combined with abnormal sensation, or loose teeth and other symptoms. 4. Pain and mouth opening limitation Some oral cancer patients have severe pain of unknown reasons or cannot open their mouths as the first symptoms, which should be paid attention to.