Summary
This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients treated for first-time oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), in Medellín (Colombia). For this purpose, a descriptive study was carried out within a retrospective dynamic cohort of OSCC cases from 9 specialized oncology centers in the city between 2000 and 2011, according to the information of the clinical records and classified according to the ICD-10. Sociodemographic characteristics were recorded and clinical variables were collected such as: Treatment received, tumor location, tumor stage, care received (professional), report of alcohol or cigarette consumption, complications associated with OSCC treatment. The study variables were described, and Chi square test was calculated in order to observe differences between some clinical characteristics and sex. In the study period 778 cases of OSCC were found, with an average age of diagnosis of 63.5 (± 13.6) years. More than half had low socioeconomic and educational levels. Fifty six percent of women and 63 % of men were diagnosed in stage IV of the tumor. Treatments performed most, were either combined or for surgery. Thirty five percent of the cases had cardiovascular problems, although no statistically significant differences were reported between the presence of certain comorbidities and sex. Alcohol consumption was reported in 19 % and smoking in 51 %, with higher consumption in men in both cases and statistically significant differences (p <0.0001) with respect to women. Regarding complications associated with treatment for OSCC, dysphagia (47 %) and mucositis (24 %) were reported more frequently. More than half of the tumors were presented in the tongue. Strategies are required that allow epidemiological surveillance systems for the OSCC, as well as to improve prevention and early treatment programs for this disease in line with national and global policies and plans.
KEY WORDS: carcinoma, squamous cell, mouth neoplasms, health profile, epidemiological monitoring.
How to cite this article
POSADA-LÓPEZ, A.; PALACIO-CORREA, M. A. & AGUDELO-SUÁREZ, A. A. Sociodemographic and Clinic Characteristics of the Patients Threatened at First Time for Squamous Cell Oral Cancer. Medellín (Colombia). Int. J. Odontostomat., 12(3):237-245, 2018.
