Risk factors for distant metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify risk factors for distant metastasis (DM) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis of 516 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity from 1986 through 2009 was performed. DM was classified as 2 types based on whether patients had locoregional failure (LRF).