Clinicopathologic profile of squamous cell carcinomas in resected specimens of upper aerodigestive tract: A retrospective study of 72 cases

Background: Malignancies of head and neck, especially oral cancers are aggressive epithelial cancers and its incidence is specially high in developing countries like India. Few of the common risk factors associated with these tumours are cigarette smoking, alcohol intake and tobacco chewing. These tumours pose a serious public health issue since majority of these patients present at advanced stage of the disease. This study was aimed to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics and demographic data associated with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of head and neck. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in 72 resected specimens of malignancies of Head and Neck over a three year study period. Results: A female predominance was noted (M:F = 0.5:1) with majority in age group between 40-50years. Commonest site was in oral cavity, especially in buccal mucosa and this was seen more often in females. Cigarette smoking was more commonly seen in males when compared to females and the difference was statistically significant (p<0> Conclusion: The occurrence of most of these tumours in oral cavity buccal mucosa and in females could be linked to the tobacco chewing practice in this population. A proper and strict community education and awareness could possibly lead to decrease its incidence.