Superficially invasive squamous cell carcinoma: A nontender erythematous pebbly plaque is present on the left soft palate and tonsillar pillar area. The patient was unaware of the lesion. An asymptomatic erythematous surface lesion of the soft palate, tonsillar pillar, lateral and ventral tongue and floor of the mouth is the most common presentation of carcinoma in situ and EARLY squamous cell carcinoma.

Superficially invasive squamous cell carcinoma: High power microscopic image showing atypical squamous epithelium. The cells demonstrate variation in nuclear size, shape and staining and loss of maturation.

Superficially invasive squamous cell carcinoma: An asymptomatic red patch with white rough areas is present on the left soft palate.

Squamous cell carcinoma: High power microscopic image showing marked variation in nuclear size, shape and staining. An atypical mitosis is present in the lower center of the field.

Squamous cell carcinoma. An indurated ulcer with white epithelial thickening along the border of the ulcer.

Squamous cell carcinoma, closer view. An indurated ulcer with white epithelial thickening along the border of the ulcer.