CLINICAL DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS OF DISEAS ES OF THE ORAL CAVITY AND OROPHARYNX

In the present paper, common disorders of the oral cavity and orophary nx are described with special emphasis on differential diagnostic aspe cts. The first part of this presentation covers different inflammatory diseases, mainly focusing on complications like peritonsillar, para- and retropharyngeal abscesses, and Ludwig's angina. These clinical ent ities can lead to further life-threatening complications, including de ep neck infections and mediastinitis. The diagnostic value and necessi ty of modern imaging in these cases are emphasized. In the second part , the author reports on the incidence, etiology and clinical course of tumors of the oral cavity and oropharynx with special regard to malig nancies. Tumors in these areas have been increasing in number over the past decades mainly due to changes in alcohol and nicotine consumptio n in the developed countries. Diagnostic management includes a thoroug h clinical evaluation as well as modern imaging for tumor delineation and possible bone infiltration, depending on the site of the original tumor. In addition, therapeutic considerations are discussed, focusing on surgical tumor removal and soft tissue replacement using different pedicled flaps and free flaps. It is also emphasized that postoperati ve radiotherapy is mandatory in most malignant tumors in this area.