Oral squamous cell carcinoma-clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes in a single institution retrospective cohort study

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the data of patients treated for malignant tumours of the oral cavity at the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Laryngological Oncology Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz between 2003-2011 to asses the influence of risk factors on survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Material and methods: Material was collected from 62 patients treated for oral SCC between 2003-2011. Forty-three were men (69.35%) with a mean age of 56.33 years. The medical records were analysed, especially history, operative reports, histopathology reports, survival, adjuvant treatment and recurrence. Results: All patients underwent surgical treatment (33.87% also had partial removal of the lower jaw, 67.74% adjuvant radiotherapy, 11.29% radiochemotherapy). More than half reported to the doctor within 6 to 15 weeks from the onset of symptoms. The majority smoked and drank alcohol (96.32%). Five-year disease specific survival (DSS) was 68.69%. Conclusions: The age over 65 did not significantly influence DSS. The location on the anterior two thirds of the tongue gave the best outcome, while the worst outcome was observed in the retromandibular triangle area which was statistically almost significant (p = 0.06843). In the case of higher degrees of local and regional advancement and a higher stadium, a worse outcome was recorded. Positive surgical margins were identified in 11.29% of the cases, but they had no impact on the results of treatment. No worsening of the outcome was proven for the patients who reported to the doctor later than 15 weeks following the occurrence of symptoms.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the data of patients treated for malignant tumors of the oral cavity to assess the influence of risk factors on survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. The study found that age over 65 did not significantly influence survival. The location of the tumor also had an impact on the outcome, with better outcomes observed in the anterior two thirds of the tongue and worse outcomes in the retromandibular triangle area. Higher degrees of local and regional advancement and higher stage were associated with worse outcomes. Positive surgical margins did not affect treatment results, and delayed reporting of symptoms did not worsen the outcome.