Aim: To conduct a clinicopathological review of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and to analyze it with respect to gender, age at diagnosis, clinical presentation, lesion location, and histological grading.
Methods and materials: Information on the clinicopathological characteristics of SCC was obtained from pathology reports of 342 cases.
Results: The male to female ratio was 1:1 and the incidence increased with age. Among the patients 4.7% were younger than 40 years and males were predominant in this subgroup. The alveolar ridge and gingiva were the most commonly affected sites (50%). The majority of the SCC cases presented as ulcers or masses. Swelling and/or pain were the first signs and/or symptoms in most patients (52.6%). The age at diagnosis in relation to the site of occurrence varied. Conventional SCC was the most common subtype (88%). Well-differentiated SCC was the most common histological grading (78.6%).
Conclusion: In the present study, the incidence of SCC was age-related and showed equal gender distribution.
Clinical significance: Routine examination of the oral cavity by dental practitioners and other health care providers aids in the early detection of premalignant and malignant oral disease. Dentists can play a significant role in disseminating information regarding oral cancer.