246P - Clinicoepidemiological profile and patterns of failure in carcinoma oral cavity in Indian patients: A 6-year retrospective study

Background

Despite various awareness programmes and strict regulations for consumption of tobacco and alcohol, the incidence of oral cavity cancer is increasing in low and middle income countries. We have reported here clinico-epidemiological profile of 343 oral cavity cancer patients. Although, treatment guidelines exist, treatment failure is seen in more than 50% of patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the data of 343 oral cavity cancer patients who reported to our department during 2010-2015. Detailed history and clinical examination followed by requisite investigations were done and treatment was given as per the existent guidelines.

Results

Out of 343 patients, 283 (82.5%) were males while 60 (17.4%) were females with a male: female ratio of 4.7:1. The mean and median age for the cohort was 46.2 yrs and 45 yrs, respectively. More patients presented in the age group of 31-40 yrs (29.4%) and 41-50 yrs (27.4%). The youngest patient was 21 yrs while the oldest was 85 yrs. Tongue was the most common site of involvement followed by buccal mucosa. Histopathologically, tumours with moderate differentiation were most frequent followed by well differentiated. Approximately, 60% patients underwent surgery with or without adjuvant radiation. Remaining 40% cases, for whom surgery could not be done, received definitive radiation. Overall, however, 40% of cases had treatment failure despite aggressive multimodality treatment with local recurrence observed in more than half. Locoregional recurrence occurred in 19.1% while disease metastasized to distant areas in 8.8% cases.

Conclusions

Our study provided a clinico-epidemiological profile and failure rates of patients having oral cavity cancers in North India. We have tried to study various risk factors associated with the disease. Significant number of patients presents very late in our setting and so failure rates are unacceptably high. Hence, there is a need to study various therapies for effective management without adding any significant financial burden on patients.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.