Demographic, aetiological and survival differences of oral squamous cell carcinoma in the young and the old in Sri Lanka

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major oncological problem in many regions of the world where tobacco habits are practiced in the form of chewing and/or smoking with or without alcohol intake. It accounts for 16.5% of all cancers in Sri Lankan patients with a male:female ratio of 4:1. In Sri Lanka nearly 5% of OSCC are diagnosed in young patients. This comparative study describes, demographic, aetiological and survival data from young and old patients with OSCC (n = 56). Both younger and older groups showed a marked male predilection (male:female ratio was 4:1 and 3.7:1 in younger and older groups respectively). Tongue was the commonest site for younger group (41%, P < 0.01) whilst buccal mucosa (37.5%, P < 0.05) and alveolar mucosa (25%, P < 0.01) were for older group. 39% of cancers in younger group were not associated with any identifiable risk factor (P < 0.01) and 70% of SCC of the tongue has no associated habits (P < 0.01). SCC of the tongue in the younger group shows poor prognosis than the older patients. Three-year survival rate for the total number showed no significant difference in two age groups. Survival appeared to be better in patients without associated habits in the older group. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.