Introduction

Abstract

There are two major differences in concept between this volume and others in the International Histological Classification of Tumours series. The first of these is the inclusion of more clinical aspects than has usually been the case and the second is a concentration on a more limited range of conditions. There are several reasons for adopting this approach. With regard to both cancer and precancer of the oral mucosa, we believe it is important that general pathologists, in whose interests this volume has primarily been written, should be informed of the significance of the clinical features of the various lesions under discussion as they may on the whole be unfamiliar with them. Also, we consider it necessary to draw attention to those conditions particular to the oral tissues that may give rise to appearances which are important in differential diagnosis but can be misleading to the pathologist who does not have detailed knowledge of these tissues. On the other hand, many of the benign and malignant tumours that affect the oral tissues have been dealt with in other volumes in the series and we believe that little or no advantage would be gained by repeating them here. In particular, other volumes that will be helpful in the identification of tumours of the orofacial region include:

• Odontogenic Tumours

• Salivary Gland Tumours

• Tumours of the Upper Respiratory Tract and Ear

• Soft Tissue Tumours

• Bone Tumours

• Skin Tumours

So this volume covers only cancer and precancer of the oral mucosa, as opposed to all malignant and benign tumours of all oral and oropharyngeal tissues. Metastatic spread to the oral mucosa is also excluded.