Association of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue with Cigarette and Alcohol Exposure: A Retrospective Clinicopathological Study.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT) has been linked to modifiable risk factors; such as tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation of SCCOT as well as its association with history of tobacco and alcohol use.

METHODS: A retrospective review of SCCOT at Oral Pathology Department from 1990 to 2012. Information retrieved from patients' medical records includes: age, gender, occupation, history of alcohol and tobacco use. Also, the first symptoms observed by patients at the onset of disease, and what was done for patients at the place of first consultation were documented.

RESULTS: SCCOT accounted for 26% of all oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); mean age at presentation was 58.3 ±12.6 years. Two patients diagnosed of SCCOT before 40 years as well as female SCCOT patients denied exposure to either alcohol or tobacco; while about 80% and 70% of males with complete history were exposed to tobacco and alcohol respectively. At the onset of disease, 70.2% of patients noticed a lingual ulcer, 13% experienced pain, but at presentation, only one patient was not experiencing pain. About 85.3% of patients presented with stage III and IV disease. All patients but two were treated with antibiotics and analgesics at first presentation in a hospital.

CONCLUSION: The most common symptoms at the onset of disease were ulceration and pain. Men above age forty years had exposure to alcohol and tobacco.