Prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma in South Gujarat population

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) at specific anatomic sites or within specific age or gender groups and the correlation between various forms of tobacco usage in South Gujarat population. Methodology: The study covers the period from January 2016 to January 2018. OSCC cases who reported to the Bharat Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Saroli, Surat, Gujarat, were analyzed for age, sex, site, and habits. The findings were formulated to chart the prevalence in South Gujarat population. Results: The study revealed that males represented a higher proportion than females, i.e., 79% of males and 21% of females, with the highest incidence of OSCC developing in the fourth and fifth decades of life, whereas recently a shift was also observed in terms of age group as 23 patients were falling into younger age group (20–30 years), which is an alarming factor. Overall, the most common site was buccal mucosa followed by tongue and lower alveolus. Smokeless tobacco habit was more prevalent than smoking tobacco habit. Conclusion: Close follow-up and education about the harmful and carcinogenic effects of tobacco and alcohol should be provided on a larger scale and broader population.