Oral Cavity Malignancies : A clinicopathological study

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancers are the commonest of head and neck tumours. They share common etiological factors, which are often the personal habits of the patients. Human papillomavirus is increasingly being reported in patients with oral malignancies, especially in Western population. However in India, smoking, alcohol consumption and tobacco chewing are the common etiological factors.

Material and Method: The present study comprises of 379 patients who attended the out patient department or were admitted in the wards of associated hospital of N.S.C.B. Medical College, Jabalpur during the period from July 2003 to July 2005 with the presenting complaint of Tumour/Mass in Head and Neck region. Out of 379 patients of Tumour/Mass in Head and Neck region, 213 patients were having tumour / mass in the oral cavity. Tissue biopsy for histopathological examination was done in all cases.

Results: On histopathological examination of oral cavity tumours , benign tumours were common in females while Majority of the patients of malignancy were males, highest incidence of malignanacy was seen in age group (55-75) years. Incidence of oral malignancy was predominantly more in cheek (buccal mucosa) it constitutes 80 cases (42.8 percent) followed by tongue 42 cases (22.5 percent) in alveolus 33 cases (17.6 percent) , in palate 17 cases (9 percent) in lip 11 cases (6 percent) and lowest incidence was seen in floor of mouth 4 cases (2.1 percent), Histologically Squamous cell carcinoma is seen in all cases.

Conclusion: Oral cancers are among the most common malignancies encountered in clinical practice. Males are more commonly affected than females usually in 5th to 7th decade of life. However, there is a rising incidence noted in female patients as they are hardcore tobacco chewers and less educated than men in the rural setup. Oral cancers are also increasing in younger population due to the habit of consuming alcohol and tobacco.