EPIDEMIOLOGIC SURVEY OF SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN A STOMATOLOGY CLINIC—A 7-YEAR STUDY

Abstract

Objective To accomplish a retrospective statistical survey on cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a stomatology clinic, from March 2011 to February 2018, given the importance of this type of cancer, which represents 94% of all oral malignant neoplasms. Study Design Retrospective cross-sectional study of issued reports and medical records of patients diagnosed as having SCC. Results This study had 94 analyzed patients: 51.6% of them were white, 61.78% were male, 58.51% were regular smokers, and 45.74% were alcoholics. The average age was 64.2 years. The more common locations were tongue (43.61%), mouth floor (29.78%), alveolar ridge (12.76%), hard palate (10.63%), and lower lip (8.51%). It can be suggested that 36.77% were referred from the public service. The diagnosis is usually obtained late, considerably affecting the prognosis. Factors such as lack of information from patients and lack of training of health professionals are the main responsible for the delay in the diagnosis of oral cancer. Conclusion We would like to emphasize the importance of a critical clinical examination, the accomplishment of an early diagnosis, and the orientation regarding the risk factors of SCC. To accomplish a retrospective statistical survey on cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a stomatology clinic, from March 2011 to February 2018, given the importance of this type of cancer, which represents 94% of all oral malignant neoplasms. Retrospective cross-sectional study of issued reports and medical records of patients diagnosed as having SCC. This study had 94 analyzed patients: 51.6% of them were white, 61.78% were male, 58.51% were regular smokers, and 45.74% were alcoholics. The average age was 64.2 years. The more common locations were tongue (43.61%), mouth floor (29.78%), alveolar ridge (12.76%), hard palate (10.63%), and lower lip (8.51%). It can be suggested that 36.77% were referred from the public service. The diagnosis is usually obtained late, considerably affecting the prognosis. Factors such as lack of information from patients and lack of training of health professionals are the main responsible for the delay in the diagnosis of oral cancer. We would like to emphasize the importance of a critical clinical examination, the accomplishment of an early diagnosis, and the orientation regarding the risk factors of SCC.