Age and Gender Predilection of Habits and Oral Cancer Among an Outpatient Population Visiting a Dental Hospital

Abstract

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common neoplasm representing more than 80% of all oral cancer cases. Squamous cell carcinoma is defined as a “malignant epithelial neoplasm exhibiting squamous differentiation as characterized by the formation of keratin and/ or the presence of intercellular bridges”. Most of the epidemiological studies have revealed that heavy smoking and alcohol intake are the most important risk factors for oral cancer. Poor dental hygiene, accompanied by tooth loss, certain oncogenic viruses have been associated with an increased risk of cancer. The purpose of this study was to analyze the gender and age predilection of habits and oral cancer among an outpatient population visiting a dental college. This was a retrospective study (2019-2020) in which data on 34 Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) were investigated. The patient records were reviewed and analysed between January 2019 and March 2020. All the 34 patient data were tabulated in excel, reviewed and was classified according to the border's grading system. Following which data was imported to SPSS software by IBM for descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square test was performed. A significant association between OSCC and age group (45-50 Years) was observed though it was statistically insignificant (p value=0.64). Males have a higher incidence of OSCC compared to females in the same age group. A significant association is observed between Gutka, Smoking and pan chewing with OSCC. OSCC is the most commonly occurring oral cancer and there is a high predilection of the OSCC with age, gender and habits. Dentists play a key role in screening, detection and treatment of oral malignancies and can help in educating the public to bring about more awareness towards prevention of Oral Cancer.