Variation in treatment and outcome in the early stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract

This study aims to determine the survival impact of patient characteristics and treatment options associated with the early stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, OCSCC. The methods are analysis of Irish cancer database examining T1/2, N0, and M0 cases of OCSCC from 1997 to 2007 inclusive. In total, 397 cases were identified. Anterolateral tongue accounted for 52.9% of cases. Increased age at diagnosis and smoking are independent prognostic survival indicators associated with poorer outcomes. Surgery as the initial intervention was associated with significantly better survival outcomes, while surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy significantly worse outcomes. Surgical intervention is recommended as the first-line treatment in the early stage OCSCC in combination with elective neck dissection.