EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE AND ASSOCIATION OF VARYING HABITS WITH PRECANCER AND OSCC IN POPULATION OF NORTH INDIA

Abstract

Objective: The pathologic appearances and clinical symptoms of Oral Premalignant Disorders (OPMDs) and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) vary across different patient populations. This is possibly due to behaviours and cultural influences such as excess tobacco use. We aim to evaluate the epidemiological profile and clinical characteristics of OPMDs and OSCC in the North Indian population. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 600 subjects including 200 OSCC cases, 200 OPMDs and 200 matched controls. Medical records and clinical and histopathological diagnosis of OSCC and oral precancer patients were included. The data was analysed using SPSS. Results: Two third of the OSCC patients were males and one third were females and mean age of 48.5 y. Maximum incidence of total cases was observed in age groups from 30-70 y and was more in males. Buccal mucosa is found to be the most affected location (67%) in both men and women. We found a significant association between size of the tumor, the number of nodes involved, and degree of differentiation and gender. Significant association was observed between gender and tobacco use, pattern of smoking and alcohol consumption, while no association was observed with fluoride use by habit and gender. Significant results were found between prevalence of OSCC and OPMDs with chewing tobacco and pattern of smoking. Also, pattern of smoking was significantly associated with gender in OPMD and OSCC subjects. Conclusion: This study could help in educating the people and support the healthcare workers in implementing preventive measures against OPMDs and OSCC.