Which two locations are the MOST common sites for squamous carcinoma in the oral cavity?

The two most common sites for squamous carcinoma in the oral cavity are indeed the tongue and the floor of the mouth. This is primarily due to the high prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma in areas of the oral cavity that are subject to increased irritation or exposure to carcinogenic substances such as tobacco and alcohol.

The tongue, particularly the lateral aspects, is highly mobile and receives significant mechanical stress, which can contribute to cellular changes and malignancy. Additionally, the floor of the mouth is a site that often presents early-stage lesions that can be symptomatic later in the disease process, making it a hotspot for the development of squamous cell carcinoma.

These regions are also notable for their rich blood supply and lymphatic drainage, which plays a role in the metastatic potential of oral cancers. Understanding the anatomy and vascularization of the oral cavity helps to comprehend why these specific locations are more frequently affected by malignancies.