RISK FACTORS FOR ORAL CANCER IN YOUNG PEOPLE IN CORDOBA, ARGENTINA

Abstract

In the last decades, an increase in the incidence rates of oral squamous cell carcinoma has been reported in patients younger than 45 years. Objective: To describe clinical and demographic characteristics and risk factors in patients younger than 45 years with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa. Study Design: A total of 12 patients younger than 45 years were included in a retrospective descriptive study from 2009 to 2017. Variables registered were age, sex, tumor location, potentially malignant disorders, environmental or professional carcinogens, human papilloma virus, chronic mechanical irritation, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, mate consumption, cancer family history, degree of cell differentiation, TNM staging, type of treatment, and years of follow-up. Results: Those younger than 45 years with oral cancer were mainly men with tumors located on the edge of the tongue, stages I and II, which were moderately differentiated. The most frequent risk factors were chronic mechanical irritation, consumption of mate, and exposure to environmental carcinogens. The preferential treatment was surgical, with an average follow-up of 3.75 years; only 1 patient died. Conclusions: The most frequent risk factors for oral cancer in patients younger than 45 years do not seem to be the classic risk factors of oral cancer.