Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue: Analysis of Clinico Pathological Features

Aims: Squamous cell carcinoma of tongue (SCCOT) is the most common malignant neoplasm of oral cavity. It is a major health concern and causes significant morbidity and mortality. There is high prevalence of exposure to risk factors of SCCOT in our region, therefore the present study is designed to provide an insight of clinicopathological parameters of SCCOT that will help in identifying any specific trends.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of histopathology, Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi, from January 2020 to November 2020.

Methodology: 27 biopsy specimens of SSSOT were taken. Clinocopathological parameters of SCCOT were evaluated. Data was subjected to appropriate statistics using SPSS version 20.

Results: Out of the 27patients, 15(55.6%) were men and 12(44.4%) were women. The overall mean age at presentation was (46.77+/-14.05) years. Lateral borders of tongue were involved in 16(59.3%) of patients. Of the total, 22 (81.5%) patients had moderately differentiated carcinoma. T3 size of tumor was present in 12 (44.4%) of patients. Cervical lymph node metastasis was found in 15 (55.5%) of patients. At presentation, 20(74%) had advanced Stage (III-IV) disease.

Conclusion: It is an alarming situation that most patients presented with advance stages of SCCOT. Emphasis should be given on early diagnosis of SCCOT. There is also need on increasing oral cancer awareness among the public to reduce the burden of this disease.