Clinical Presentation, Tumour Characteristics, Sociodemographic, And Lifestyle-Related Factors of Oral Cancer In Patients Visiting Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi Pakistan

Objective: To determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle-related factors of oral cancer, clinical presentation, and tumour characteristics among patients visiting Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi Pakistan, from Oct 2020 to Nov 2021. Methodology: One hundred and thirty-eight cases of diagnosed oral cancer were enrolled in the study and information wascollected regarding sociodemographic and lifestyle-related factors. Clinical presentation at the time of oral cancer diagnosiswas also recorded. Results: The mean age of the patients was 48.59+14.28 years. Out of 138 cases, most were males 108(78.3%), most belonging toa low socioeconomic status 122(88.4%). 78(56.5%) of patients had well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, followed bymoderately differentiated 59(42.8%), and only 1(0.7%) had poorly differentiated oral cancer. The study showed that oral cancer was highest among people from low socioeconomic status, with well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma being the most common type. Male gender, the use of chewable tobacco, and areca nuts were also reported as risk factors for oral cancer. Conclusion: The study showed that oral cancer was highest among males and people belonging to low SES. Most of the cases had well-differentiated carcinoma and had a history of current and past use of tobacco, alcohol, and areca nut. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common oral cancer.We need mass campaigns to raise awareness ..