Abstract
BackgroundOral cancer is a highly prevalent malignancy in Pakistan. Among various risk factors associated with this neoplasm, habits such as smoked and smokeless tobacco usage, betel quid, and betel nut consumption are the major culprits in our society. In the present study, we aimed to ascertain prevalent risk factors for OC in our population and to compare our findings with healthy controls to establish their significance.Material and MethodsA hospital-based case control study was conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences, Pakistan from January 2015 – September 2016. Information pertaining to unhealthy oral habits was obtained from 62 oral cancer patients (cases) and 62 healthy controls on specifically designed proforma by the principal investigator.ResultsSmokeless tobacco is strong, independent risk factor for oral cancer development in our study population. Buccal mucosa is the predominantly affected site (71%) which corresponds with high smokeless tobacco use. All studied habits increase risk of oral cancer as demonstrated by high odds ratio.ConclusionsDespite advancement in our knowledge and understanding of carcinogenic potential of these hazardous substances not enough efforts have been put forth to effectively control their widespread sale and consumption, particularly by the youth in our society. Key words:Betel Quid, Gutka, Oral Cancer Risk, Smokeless Tobacco.
Highlights
Head and neck cancers rank third in most common malignancies encountered in both genders globally
oral cancer (OC) embodies a plethora of malignances including, but not limited to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), verrucous carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), malignant melanoma, ameloblastoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma etc
Importance of Human Papilloma virus (HPV) in OC pathogenesis is highlighted by the fact that the 2017 update of 4th edition of World Health Organization (WHO) classification of head and neck tumors has recognized HPV-related SCC as a distinct entity [12]
Summary
Head and neck cancers rank third in most common malignancies encountered in both genders globally. Several risk factors have been established that contribute to observed prevalence trends in our population, including specific habits such as tobacco, alcohol, paan (betel quid), smokeless tobacco (including chewing tobacco and snuff), and betel nut consumption rendering population bearing lower socioeconomic status more susceptible to OC. Among various risk factors associated with this neoplasm, habits such as smoked and smokeless tobacco usage, betel quid, and betel nut consumption are the major culprits in our society. We aimed to ascertain prevalent risk factors for OC in our population and to compare our findings with healthy controls to establish their significance. Results: Smokeless tobacco is strong, independent risk factor for oral cancer development in our study population. Conclusions: Despite advancement in our knowledge and understanding of carcinogenic potential of these hazardous substances not enough efforts have been put forth to effectively control their widespread sale and consumption, by the youth in our society
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