Field cancerization of oral cavity – A case series with review of literature

The concept of field cancerisation was proposed by Slaughter et al. in 1953. Field cancerization of the mucosa of aerodigestive tract frequently develops on account of tobacco and alcohol usage. It is characterized by a variety of premalignant and malignant epithelial changes that may lead to the development of multiple primary cancers of the aerodigestive tract. Presence of multiple primary tumors may adversely affect the diagnosis and treatment of the oral cancer. This article highlights an update and a case series of oral field cancerization, considering the carcinogenetic influence of tobacco and alcohol in the development of multiple primary tumors of the oral cavity.