Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Young Male Patients due to Lack of Awareness about Deleterious Habits of Tobacco Addiction: Original Case Series and Review of Literature

Abstract

Oral Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity. It affects the epithelial tissue and is associated with tobacco use in majority of the cases. Tobacco is used in various forms in India. Many people use a combination of smokeless tobacco, areca nut products as well as smoking products. Traditionally, this malignancy was found in elderly population not before fifty years of age. We present a case series of three cases who are all young male patients with oral Squamous cell carcinoma. All these patients started their deleterious habit at a very young age in their teenage. Due to lack of awareness and poor financial as well as social conditions, they were heavily influenced by advertisements and media which sell tobacco products. We here try to discuss the vulnerability of young men who fall into this trap. In this way, many productive young lives are lost to the scourge of tobacco addiction.