Evidence from clinical and epidemiological studies indicates that chronic thermal injury to the upper digestive and oral mucosa—such as from consistently consuming very hot beverages—contributes to an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma.
The retrieved papers include direct evidence that thermal injury (such as from very hot beverages) is a recognized risk factor and mechanism contributing to upper digestive tract and oral squamous cell carcinomas. None of the papers refute the claim, leading to a supported verdict.