Orofacial squamous cell carcinoma: Analysis of histopathological reports of 465 patients in Tanzania

Orofacial squamous cell carcinoma (OfSCC) accounts for up to 90% of all malignant lesions in the head and neck region. This study aimed to document the histopathological characteristics of OfSCC in a Tanzanian population concerning the age of presentation, gender, and site of occurrence. This was retrospective study was carried out at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Muhimbili National Hospital. It included histological results of the OfSCC diagnosed between 2016 and 2021. The information gathered included the age and sex of the patient, the location of the tumor, and histological grading. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 computer program. The mean age of patients with which OfSCC was diagnosed was 55.85 (SEM = 0.77) years and the male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. The 60 years and above age group was predominantly affected (45.2%). Intraoral lesions predominated (87.6%). The frequently affected intraoral location included the tongue (34.5%) and the gingiva/ alveolar ridge (25.6%). Most (68.5%) of extra-oral squamous cell carcinomas occurred in the midfacial region. The majority (72%) of OfSCC were grade I. Males are slightly more affected and a majority of the patients are older adults. The midface is the most affected extra oral location, while intra-orally the tongue, gingiva, and buccal mucosa are frequently affected.