Abstract
Oral cancer is considered the eighth common cause of cancer-related deaths, of which 90% are squamous cell carcinomas of oral mucosa. The varied microflora of the oral mucosa, tongue, and pharynx accompany the oral carcinomas. Only limited studies exist showing the involvement of the oral microbiota in malignancies. Oral carcinogenesis is highly intricate, and multifocal progression occurs due to squamous cell epithelial alterations, which are often followed by chronic inflammation induced by bacterial infection. We have reviewed knowledge about the genetic, molecular and microbiological aspects of oral cancer. Copyright (C) 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.