Pattern and association of various risk factors to oral squamous cell carcinoma in Lahore, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern and association of various risk factors to oral squamous cell carcinoma at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at a public sector tertiary care hospital in Lahore from June 2013 to December 2013 comprising of two groups (control and study). Histopathologically proven subjects of oral squamous cell carcinoma with any age and gender were selected in study group after taking informed consent. Subjects with previous history of treatment, recurrence, metastasis, radiation or chemotherapy were excluded. Fifty age and sex matched participants were selected in control group. The data included socio-demographic information, type of habit and duration of habit. The collected data was then evaluated statistically.
Results: Out of the total 50 study participants there were 26 males and 24 females in control and study groups. Maximum oral squamous cell carcinoma cases were detected in the fifth and sixth decades. Strong association with tobacco smoking, betel quid and chewing tobacco was detected among majority of subjects (94%). Three participants did not report to be associated with any of the known risk factors. Over half of the study population was indulged in more than one social habit. Every two of three participants were found to be smokers. Among those who were smokers, strong dose-response relationship with respect to frequency and duration was noted. Number of controls involved in these habits was significantly less than study group, with nearly half having no such social tendencies. All histological grades of the study group (OSCC) were associated with duration of symptoms.
Conclusions: The results show a predominance of oral cancer for male gender, tobacco use, rural area and low education levels. Tobacco dependency and consumption was linked with socio-demographic factors.