Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Squamous cell carcinoma
Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · D = shown as B · E = shown as C · B = shown as D · A = shown as E
A is correct. Squamous cell carcinoma is by far the most common malignant tumour of the oral cavity, accounting for approximately 90% of oral malignancies. It arises from the stratified squamous epithelium lining most oral mucosal surfaces. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma are malignant salivary gland tumours and are substantially less common. Lymphoma may involve oral tissues, particularly in extranodal disease, but is not the predominant oral malignancy. Primary oral mucosal melanoma is rare. The original key was therefore correct, but the teaching content and reference have been updated; in particular, HPV should not be presented uncritically as a principal risk factor for oral cavity carcinoma because its strongest established association is with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
Reference: Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust. Oral Cancer, section stating the most common oral cancer type. Checked 2026. https://www.cht.nhs.uk/services/clinical-services/oncology/oral-cancer