Clinical and epidemiological profile of oral squamous cell carcinoma in young adults: a multicentric study in Argentina

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic, clinical-pathological characteristics as well as risk factors involved in young adults with OSCC. Study Design: A multicentric cross-sectional study was performed across 9 centers of Oral Medicine in Argentina. All data was extracted from databases of each institution (2006-2024). Results: This study included 124 patients with OSCC under 45 years of age. The mean age at diagnosis was 36.25 years (range 19-45, SD: 6.65), with a higher prevalence in males (60%). The lateral tongue was the most affected site (68%). Ulcerative lesions were the most common clinical presentation (42%). Risk factors included tobacco consumption (31.5%), alcohol (26%), and cannabis (14%). Chronic Mechanical Irritation was identified in 53.4%. OSCC de novo were prevalent compared to those arising from existing oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Patients with OSCC-dn presented with ulcerative phenotypes (p = .0163), were diagnosed at advanced stages (p = .0001), and were strongly associated alcohol consumption (p = .0359). Conclusions: This study highlights non-traditional risk factors and clinical features of OSCC in young adults. To effectively reduce the rising incidence of OSCC among young adults in Argentina, coordinated regional efforts, such as increasing access to early screening, and launching public education campaigns, are crucial.