Current status of oral cancer in Karachi

ABSTRACT

This study examines the demographic, aetiological and clinicopathological features of 130 cases of oral squamous cell carcinomas [OSCC]. A substantial majority of cases of OSCC were attributable to tobacco smoking, chewing and betel quid habits with an obvious implication for instituting preventive measures. Most studies link the causes of oral cancer in South East Asian countries to the tobacco and betel quid habit. Implicit in this link but often ignored by investigators are the compounding roles of nutritional factors. Conclusively the individual risks and combination of these habits appear much more than additive, rather multiplicative in a background of nutritional and low socio-economic status