Epidemiology and pathology of oral squamous cell carcinoma in a multi-ethnic population: Retrospective study of 154 cases over 7 years in Qatar

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer (OC) is a neoplastic process of the oral cavity that has high mortality and significant effects on patients’ aesthetics. The majority of OC is oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and resection remains the most frequent treatment. Recurrence is the main cause of tumor-related mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients’ charts at Hamad Medical Corporation examined 154 adults who were diagnosed as OSCC and referred to the national head and neck cancer multi-disciplinary team meetings between 2012 and 2018. The data extracted was demographic, pathologic and clinical. All patients with oral cavity tumors other than squamous cell carcinoma were excluded. RESULTS: Males comprised the majority of the sample, mean age was 46.93 years. Tongue was the most common location. The majority of the patients were diagnosed at early stages, and a small subset of patients had histologically-proven local recurrence. CONCLUSION: The young male predominance of OSCC patients in Qatar is unprecedented worldwide. Most patients were non-Qataris, mainly from South Asia. Loss of follow-up was a challenge in assessing the long-term outcomes of OSCC. Our findings suggest the need for a more vigilant surveillance approach to oral lesions particularly in male South-Asian patients, as well as improving the follow-up strategies.