The Risk of Oral Cancer and the High Consumption of Thermally Processed Meat Containing Mutagenic and Carcinogenic Compounds.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified the consumption of heat-processed meat as a direct human carcinogen and the consumption of red meat as a probable carcinogen. Mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds present in meat dishes include, among others, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs). These compounds can cause the development of gastrointestinal cancer. Oral cancer is one of the world's research priorities due to the ever-increasing incidence rate. However, the effect of diet on oral cancer is still a poorly recognized issue. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the risk of oral cancer and dietary ingredients with a particular emphasis on red meat and thermally processed meat. This study was conducted among patients with oral cancer in 2022 and 2023. The shortened standardized Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a multivariate regression statistical analysis were used. The high consumption of red meat in general and thermally processed meat, especially smoked, fried, roasted and boiled, increases the risk of oral cavity cancer. Limiting the consumption of meat products and modifying the methods of preparing meat dishes may reduce exposure to carcinogenic compounds from the diet and thus reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.

Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Review of Pathology, Diagnosis, and Management.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity presents a significant global health burden, primarily due to risk factors such as tobacco smoking, smokeless tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and betel quid chewing. Common clinical manifestations of oral cavity cancer include visible lesions and sores, often accompanied by pain in advanced stages. Diagnosis relies on a comprehensive assessment involving detailed history, physical examination, and biopsy. Ancillary imaging studies and functional evaluations aid in accurate staging and facilitate treatment planning. Prognostic information is obtained from histopathological factors, such as tumor grade, depth of invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion. Notably, lymph node metastasis, found in approximately half of the patients, carries significant prognostic implications. Effective management necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient outcomes. Surgical resection is the backbone of treatment, aimed at complete tumor removal while preserving functional outcomes. Adjuvant therapies, including radiation and chemotherapy, are tailored according to pathological factors. Further work in risk stratification and treatment is necessary to optimize outcomes in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Malignancy around implants in patients with a history of a potentially malignant or malignant lesion: a systematic review.

The majority of problematic conditions resulting from dental implant treatment are inflammatory in character, but certain isolated occurrences of primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have been discovered in the area of implants. The goal of this study was to examine whether there is a link between dental implants and the development of OSCC in patients who have a history of a potentially malignant lesion (PML) or malignancy. Using the keywords "carcinoma" AND "dental implants," a search was conducted in the MEDLINE (PubMed), National Center for Biotechnology Information, and Google Scholar databases for case reports and case series in which OSCC was discovered as a primary cancer in the region of dental implants. An initial search identified 260 articles, 247 of which were excluded based on study inclusion or exclusion criteria, leaving 13 articles chosen for inclusion and a total of 30 patients who developed primary oral cancer surrounding osseointegrated titanium-based dental implants. In the studies included in the present review, 22 (73%) of 30 patients with peri-implant cancer had a history of PML or carcinoma. There is no statistical evidence of a direct association between dental implants and OSCC in patients with a history of a PML or malignant lesion. There have been some case reports of OSCC in the region of dental implants in patients with a history of a PML or malignant lesion, but further studies are needed to prove a definitive relationship.

Prevalence and risk factors of oral potentially malignant disorders in Indonesia: a cross-sectional study undertaken in 5 provinces.

Detection of subjects with oral potentially malignant disorders in a population is key to early detection of oral cancer (OC) with consequent reduction of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for OPMD in representative provinces of Indonesia. This cross-sectional study was undertaken in five Indonesian provinces: West Java (WJ), Jakarta (JKT), West Papua (WP), West Kalimantan (WK) and Banda Aceh (BA). Respondents answered a previously validated questionnaire including information on ethnicity, occupation, socioeconomic status (SES), oral health practices, and behaviours associated with oral cancer. An oral examination was undertaken using WHO standardized methodology. Data were analysed using ANOVA, Chi-Square, and logistic regression to assess association between risk factors and mucosal disease. A total of 973 respondents between the ages of 17 and 82 years was enrolled (WJ 35.5%,JKT 13.3% WP 18.3%, WK 9%, BA 23.9%). Tobacco smoking (14.8%), Betel quid (BQ) chewing (12.6%) and alcohol drinking (4%) varied geographically. A well-established OPMD was detected in 137 (14.1%) respondents and 2 (0.2%) presented with chronic ulceration later diagnosed as OC. Leukoplakia was the most common OPMD found (9.7%), while the prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), not previously described in the nation, was 2.3%. Poor knowledge of OC risk factors, poor oral hygiene behaviours, low-income SES and ethnicity were significantly associated with the presence of an OPMD. There is a previously under-reported high prevalence of OPMD in Indonesia. Overall, we found a strong correlation between the presence of an OPMD and individual habituation to known risk factors.

Association of exposure factors and their causal relationship with oral cancer: A Mendelian randomization study.

OBJECTIVES: There is a strong association among risk factors for oral cancer (ORCA), such as smoking, alcohol consumption, fiber intake, and red meat intake. The apparent synergistic effects reported in previous observational studies may also underestimate the independent effects. Our study aims to further explore the potential etiology and causality of oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used the genome-wide associations study database (GWAS) in European populations for Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore exposure factors associated with ORCA and detect the genetic causality between these exposures and ORCA risk. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that in univariate MR analysis, the five exposure factors (celery intake, average weekly beer and cider intake, spirits intake, and pork intake) were risk factors, and oily fish intake was a safety factor, but in multivariate MR analysis, pork intake had the greatest impact on oral cancer when the five food/drink intakes were simultaneously consumed. CONCLUSIONS: The causal relationship between the five exposure factors (oily fish intake, celery intake, pork intake, average weekly beer and cider intake, and spirits intake) and oral cancer was analyzed. The causal effects of pork on oral cancer may be underestimated. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prevention of oral cancer requires better education about lifestyle-related risk factors, and improved awareness and tools for early diagnosis. Our study provides some risk factors that cannot be ignored for the cause prevention of oral cancer, such as pork intake, and its role in oral cancer prevention and control.

Current thinking about the effects of e-cigarettes on oral cancer risk.

In the last decade there has been a significant increase in the appeal and popularity of e-cigarettes. Recent national news headlines outline that one million smokers will be given a free vaping starter kit to encourage them to give up tobacco products. An independent report commissioned by the UK Government has cited promotion of vaping as a critical recommendation to ensuring England is smoke-free by 2030. Undoubtedly, the dental team will now encounter many more questions from patients keen to know more regarding the safety of electronic nicotine delivery systems and their effects on the oral cavity. However, it is often difficult to answer these questions due to a lack of evidence regarding their impact. Although there are some preliminary animal and in vitro data, additional well-designed, long-term studies are required to investigate oral health outcomes of e-cigarette use.We aim to summarise the latest evidence to better inform clinicians about the effects of vaping on oral health, particularly regarding the risks of oral cancer, so they can better inform their patients.

Malnutrition as a Risk Factor in the Development of Oral Cancer: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analyses.

This systematic review and meta-analyses aimed to assess whether malnutrition may increase the incidence of oral cancer. Following the PRISMA statement, the research was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE via OVID without any time restrictions. The risk of bias was assessed, and the quality of evidence for each performed meta-analysis was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Sixty-one articles met the inclusion criteria and seven studies underwent quantitative evaluation. For our meta-analysis on hypovitaminosis B, three studies with a total of 90,011 patients were included. An odds ratio of 2.22 was found. Our meta-analysis on the correlation between vitamin C and oral cancer included one study with a total of 866 patients and the derived odds ratio was 1.06. Our meta-analysis on the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of oral cancer included three studies with a total of 12,087 patients and the odds ratio was -2.58. The GRADE system showed a moderate strength of evidence due to the presence of studies with a high risk of bias and high indirectness of the data given. The present findings suggest that an inadequate intake of vitamins, particularly vitamin D, poses a risk for the onset of oral cancer.

[Oral cavity cancer: A distinct entity]. / Le cancer de la cavité orale : une entité spécifique ?

Oral Squamous cell carcinoma represent the 17th most frequent cancer in the world. The main risk factors are alcohol and tobacco consumption but dietary, familial, genetic, or oral diseases may be involved in oral carcinogenesis. Diagnosis is made on biopsy, but detection remains late, leading to a poor prognosis. New technologies could reduce these delays, notably Artificial Intelligence and the quantitative evaluation of salivary biological markers. Currently, management of oral cancer consists in surgery, which can be mutilating despite possible reconstructions. In the future, immunotherapies could become a therapeutic alternative and the immune microenvironment could constitute a source of prognostic markers.

Title: Le cancer de la cavité orale : une entité spécifique ? Abstract: Les carcinomes épidermoïdes de la cavité orale sont le 17e cancer le plus fréquent dans le monde. Les facteurs de risque principaux sont l'alcool et le tabac mais des facteurs alimentaires, familiaux, génétiques ou certaines maladies orales peuvent intervenir dans la genèse de ces cancers. Le diagnostic est tardif, entraînant un pronostic sombre. De nouvelles approches, comme l'utilisation de l'intelligence artificielle ou de marqueurs biologiques salivaires pourraient réduire ces délais. La prise en charge actuelle de ces cancers repose sur la chirurgie, la chimiothérapie et la radiothérapie, mais avec une iatrogénie importante. Les immunothérapies pourraient devenir une alternative à ces traitements et certaines caractéristiques du microenvironnement immunitaire pourraient constituer un/des marqueurs pronostiques.

Health effects associated with chewing tobacco: a Burden of Proof study.

Chewing tobacco use poses serious health risks; yet it has not received as much attention as other tobacco-related products. This study synthesizes existing evidence regarding the health impacts of chewing tobacco while accounting for various sources of uncertainty. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of chewing tobacco and seven health outcomes, drawing on 103 studies published from 1970 to 2023. We use a Burden of Proof meta-analysis to generate conservative risk estimates and find weak-to-moderate evidence that tobacco chewers have an increased risk of stroke, lip and oral cavity cancer, esophageal cancer, nasopharynx cancer, other pharynx cancer, and laryngeal cancer. We additionally find insufficient evidence of an association between chewing tobacco and ischemic heart disease. Our findings highlight a need for policy makers, researchers, and communities at risk to devote greater attention to chewing tobacco by both advancing tobacco control efforts and investing in strengthening the existing evidence base.

Effects of educational interventions based on the theory of planned behavior on oral cancer-related knowledge and tobacco smoking in adults: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is an effective model for facilitating behavioral change. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of TPB-based educational interventions on oral cancer-related knowledge and tobacco smoking behavior in an Iranian adult population in 2022. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, a total of 400 healthy individuals were enrolled. The study was implemented in 20 urban health centers in the south of Tehran, Iran. The health centers were randomly allocated into two intervention groups. In group PowerPoint (PP), the participants received education through a 20-minute PowerPoint presentation complemented by a pamphlet. Group WhatsApp (WA) was educated via WhatsApp messages and images. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire at baseline, and at one- and three-month follow-ups. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of knowledge, tobacco smoking behavior, and the related model constructs i.e. intention, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) regression models were applied to assess the effect of interventions on repeated measurements of the outcomes. All analyses were conducted using STATA Software Version 17. RESULTS: Out of all the participants, 249 (62%) were women. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of age were 39.67 and 13.80 years. Overall, group PP had a significantly higher score of knowledge compared to group WA (ß = 0.43, p = 0.005). No significant differences were found between the groups with regard to tobacco smoking and the related TPB constructs, except for attitude with a higher score in group PP compared to group WA (ß = 0.50, p = 0.004). At the three-month follow-up, both interventions had significant effects on increasing knowledge (ß = 4.41), decreasing tobacco smoking (OR = 0.54), and increasing intention (ß = 1.11), attitude (ß = 1.22), subjective norm (ß = 1.37), and perceived behavioral control (ß = 1.08) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both interventions were effective in improving knowledge, tobacco smoking, and the TPB constructs after three months. Therefore, the application of both methods could be considered in the design and implementation of oral cancer prevention programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial protocol was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) on 04/03/2022 (registration number: IRCT20220221054086N1).

The Effects of Black Raspberry as a Whole Food-Based Approach on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Buccal Cells and Urine of Smokers.

Cigarette smoke is a rich source of free radicals that can promote oxidative stress and carcinogenesis, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) development; importantly, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoprostane) are biomarkers of oxidative stress. Several mechanisms, including the antioxidant properties of black raspberry (BRB), account for their chemopreventive effects. In the present clinical trial, we tested the hypothesis that BRB administration reduces biomarkers levels of oxidative stress in buccal cells and urine of smokers. One week after enrolling 21 smokers, baseline buccal cells and urine samples were collected before the administration of BRB lozenges for 8 weeks (5/day, 1 gm BRB/lozenge). Buccal cells and urine samples were collected at the middle and the end of BRB administration. The last samples were collected after the BRB cessation (washout period). We analyzed levels of 8-oxodG and 8-isoprostane (LC/MS-MS), urinary cotinine (ELISA), and creatinine (spectrophotometry). BRB significantly reduced the levels of 8-oxodG by 17.08% (P = 0.00079) in buccal cells and 12.44% (P = 0.034) in urine at the middle of BRB administration as compared with baseline; the corresponding values at the end of BRB administration were 16.46% (P = 0.026) in buccal cells and 25.72% (P = 0.202) in urine. BRB had no significant effect on the levels of urinary 8-isoprostane. BRB's capacity to inhibit 8-oxodG formation of smokers' buccal cells and urine is clearly evident and the reduction in 8-oxodG suggests that antioxidant abilities are central to BRB's HNSCC chemopreventive properties. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: Cigarette smoke contains highly active components namely free radicals that can promote oxidative stress and oral cancer. We found that black raspberry (BRB) inhibited the formation of oxidative stress markers in the oral cavity and urine of smokers suggesting the antioxidant abilities of BRB in preventing oral cancer.

Leveraging artificial intelligence for perioperative cancer risk assessment of oral potentially malignant disorders.

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are mucosal conditions with an inherent disposition to develop oral squamous cell carcinoma. Surgical management is the most preferred strategy to prevent malignant transformation in OPMDs, and surgical approaches to treatment include conventional scalpel excision, laser surgery, cryotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. However, in reality, since all patients with OPMDs will not develop oral squamous cell carcinoma in their lifetime, there is a need to stratify patients according to their risk of malignant transformation to streamline surgical intervention for patients with the highest risks. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to integrate disparate factors influencing malignant transformation for robust, precise, and personalized cancer risk stratification of OPMD patients than current methods to determine the need for surgical resection, excision, or re-excision. Therefore, this article overviews existing AI models and tools, presents a clinical implementation pathway, and discusses necessary refinements to aid the clinical application of AI-based platforms for cancer risk stratification of OPMDs in surgical practice.

Oral mucosa involvement in pediatric patients with xeroderma pigmentosum: a comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND: Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder presenting with an inability to repair UV-induced DNA damage. This can lead to the development of neoplasms affecting multiple organ systems, with onset often in childhood. Unfortunately, no cure currently exists for XP, and management strategies focus on sun protection and early intervention for malignancies. Although most skin problems in XP patients are UV induced, various oral lesions are also described. However, the literature has not extensively characterized the oral manifestations and their prognostic significance. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive review to evaluate the prevalence and nature of oral mucosal lesions in pediatric XP patients. RESULTS: Our literature search yielded 130 pediatric XP patients with oral involvement and 210 associated tumoral or non-tumoral lesions. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common type of oral mucosal tumor reported, with other malignancies including basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, angiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and trichilemmal carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Given the potential morbidity and mortality associated with oral mucosal tumors in XP patients, our study aims to raise awareness of these manifestations. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing these lesions effectively, and routine oral exams should be considered a critical component of dermatological evaluations for XP patients, especially in the pediatric age group.

Are e-cigarettes a safer alternative to reduce incidences of oral cancer?

INTRODUCTION: The rapid increase in the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), such as e-cigarettes and vape pens, has raised concerns about their potential impact on oral health and the risk of oral cancer. Despite their popularity and claims of being a safer alternative to traditional smoking, there is a lack of conclusive evidence regarding the detrimental effects of vaping. ENDS were initially introduced as a safer option for smokers, attracting both traditional smokers and adolescents due to appealing flavours. These devices use a battery-powered heating element to aerosolise a liquid containing nicotine, flavourings, formaldehyde, glycerol, and heavy metals. However, the variability in product composition and design makes it challenging to establish reliable toxicity profiles. This commentary aims to provide an overview of the existing evidence to inform oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) practitioners about the potential risks associated with vaping on oral health and cancer. DATA SOURCES: Data was extracted from ten recent studies, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, literature reviews, cross-sectional analyses, and in-vitro studies. RESULTS: While e-cigarettes have fewer carcinogens than traditional cigarettes, concerns remain about their potential for DNA damage. Reported oral symptoms related to e-cigarette use include dry mouth, irritation, pain, oral ulcers, nicotine-related conditions, and accidents resulting from device malfunctions. ENDS exposure has been linked to oral health issues like dysbiosis, inflammation, periodontal disease, and alterations in the oral microbiome. In-vitro studies have shown that e-cigarettes can induce DNA damage, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity in oral cells. Although direct causality between e-cigarettes and oral cancer remains unclear, there are case reports of oral cancer in heavy e-cigarette users without other traditional risk factors. Additionally, some ENDS components, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, are known human carcinogens, potentially posing a nasopharyngeal cancer risk. ENDS use may increase chemotherapy resistance and alter immune-related gene expression, potentially facilitating HPV-16 infection. Moreover, there is concern that ENDS use could lead to future tobacco smoking among adolescents. The variability in ENDS products further complicates assessing their oral health effects. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current evidence, ENDS should not be considered 'safe'. The authors recommend documenting ENDS consumption and emphasise the need for extensive research to better understand their effects on oral cavity tissues. Clinicians should remain vigilant and educate patients about the potential risks associated with vaping to make informed decisions about their oral health.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma arising from areas of Graft-versus-host disease: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is an immune system reaction that occurs in patients with a history of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), in which the grafted donor's cells attack those of the host. The objective of this systematic review was to present a study on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSSC) that developed from GVHD areas in patients undergoing HSCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was conducted in the databases PUBMED, WEB OF SCIENCE, SCOPUS, MEDLINE and SCIENCE DIRECT, according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 1582 results, 23 articles were included, resulting in 81 cases. The most common underlying disease for performing the transplant was Myeloid Leukemia (55.6%). The mean age was 39 years, with a predilection for males (64.2%). The tongue was the site of GVHD that most frequently underwent transformation to SCC (59.3%). The average time between transplantation and the development of GVHD was of approximately of 8 months, while the average period of development between transplantation and the development of OSCC was of approximately of 111 months. The most common treatment to GVHD was cyclosporine associated with corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: OSCCs arising from areas of GVHD present a different evolution from conventional oral carcinomas, since they affect younger patients, smoking and alcohol are not important etiological factors and finally because they present good prognosis, but further studies with larger number cases followed are needed to confirm our findings.

The use of E-cigarettes as a risk factor for oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer: a rapid review of clinical evidence.

BACKGROUND: The popularity of e-cigarettes has increased rapidly in the last decade, particularly among teens and young adults, being advertised as a less harmful alternative to conventional tobacco products. However, in vitro and in vivo studies have evidenced a variable quantity of potentially harmful components and some recognized carcinogens which may cause DNA damage in oral cells. Additionally, evidence suggests that e-cigarettes may play active roles in the pathogenesis of other malignancies, such as lung and bladder cancers. Therefore, this rapid review aimed to assess the available clinical evidence about using e-cigarettes as a risk factor for oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search for English language articles published was performed in PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. After the study selection process, the authors included twelve clinical studies about OPMD and oral cancer risk in e-cigarette users. RESULTS: The main findings showed the presence of carcinogenic compounds in saliva and morphologic changes, DNA damage, and molecular pathways related to carcinogenesis in the oral cells of e-cigarette users. However, results were inconsistent compared to tobacco smokers and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: the current clinical evidence on this topic is limited and insufficient to support using e-cigarettes as a risk factor for OPMD and oral cancer. Nevertheless, dental care professionals should advise patients responsibly about the potentially harmful effects of e-cigarettes on the oral mucosa cells. Future long-term and well-designed clinical studies are needed.

Caracterización de los pacientes con cáncer bucal en el Hospital Provincial Docente Oncológico María Curie de Camagüey

Introducción: El cáncer bucal continúa siendo una de las neoplasias malignas en ascenso, de acuerdo con su incidencia y el importante número de muertes cada año. En este sentido, se han desarrollado programas de salud para la población que garantizan la pesquisa, la prevención y la atención de las enfermedades. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes con cáncer bucal en el Hospital Provincial Docente Oncológico María Curie de la provincia Camagüey durante el período 2018-2022. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en el Hospital Provincial Docente Oncológico María Curie de la provincia Camagüey en un universo de 218 pacientes, que acudieron al Servicio de Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello del año 2018 al 2022 y tuvieron como diagnóstico cáncer bucal. La muestra se delimitó a 113 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: El cáncer bucal predominó en el sexo masculino con 89 (78,76 por ciento) en los años 2019 y 2021. Hubo mayor frecuencia en pacientes de piel blanca con 97 (85,84 por ciento) y el año 2021 mostró mayor número de estos enfermos. La lengua fue la más afectada con 43 (30,05 por ciento) pacientes, seguida por el suelo de boca en 18 (15,92 por ciento) y las encías en 17 (15,04 por ciento) pacientes. Según el estadio existió un predominio del IV en 61 (53,98 por ciento) enfermos, seguido por el III con un 18,58 por ciento de pacientes diagnosticados. Conclusiones: Prevaleció del sexo masculino en el grupo de 60 a 79 años y los pacientes de piel blanca fueron los más afectados. La localización de las lesiones se manifestó con mayor incidencia en la lengua y los estadios IV y III de la enfermedad son los más representativos en el momento del diagnóstico(AU)

Introduction: Oral cancer continues to be one of the malignant neoplasms on the rise, according to its incidence and the significant number of deaths each year. In this sense, health programs have been developed for the population that guarantee screening, prevention and care of the diseases. Objective: To characterize patients with oral cancer at the María Curie Oncological Teaching Provincial Hospital in Camagüey province during the period 2018-2022. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the María Curie Oncological Teaching Provincial Hospital of Camagüey province in a universe of 218 patients, who attended the Head and Neck Surgery Service from 2018 to 2022 and had oral cancer as diagnosis. The sample was limited to 113 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Oral cancer predominated in the male sex with 89 (78.76 percent) in the years 2019 and 2021. There was a higher incidence in patients with white skin with 97 (85.84 percent) and the year 2021 showed a higher number of these patients. The tongue was the most affected with 43 (30.05 percent) patients, followed by the floor of the mouth in 18 (15.92 percent) and the gums in 17 (15.04 percent) patients. According to stage there was a predominance of stage IV in 61 (53.98 percent) patients, followed by stage III with 18.58 percent of patients diagnosed. Conclusions: Male sex prevailed in the 60 to 79 years age group and white skin patients were the most affected. The location of the lesions manifested with greater incidence on the tongue and stages IV and III of the disease are the most representative at the time of diagnosis(AU)

Quality of life and shoulder function among oral cancer patients treated with selective neck dissection: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There is no doubt about the oncologic effectiveness of neck dissections (NDs). But the quality of life (QoL) of patients with oral cancer and the morbidity associated with ND like shoulder dysfunction remain uncertain. The present study aimed to assess the postoperative ND-related QoL and shoulder function of oral cancer patients who underwent selective neck dissection (SND). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using a self-administered, ND-related QoL questionnaire and arm abduction test (AAT) in 128 patients who had undergone only SND (up to Level IV) for oral cancer. RESULTS: Out of the 128 patients, 94 (73.8%) patients had better QoL, and 34 (26.2%) patients had worse QoL. Fifty-one (39.84%) participants were able to abduct up to or more than 150° but less than 180° (Score 3) followed by 31 (24.22%) participants who could abduct up to or more than 90° but not less than 150° (Score 2). Strong positive correlations ( r = 1.000) were observed between the ND QoL scores and the AAT scores. It was found to be statistically significant ( P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: SND, being a more conservative approach sparing the spinal accessory nerve, could still limit the QoL and could affect the shoulder function to a certain extent.