Carcinoma oral de células escamosas en pacientes jóvenes

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity, occurring mainly in people over 60 years of age, although recently an increase in its incidence has been observed in young individuals. The etiology of oral squamous cell carcinoma in young patients is still not clarified, and it is highlighted in the literature that classic risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol and infection by the Human Papilloma Virus are not implicated in its etiopathogenesis; being the tumor microenvironment the main biological difference observed between the different age groups. Historically it was considered that oral squamous cell carcinoma in young people was more aggressive, however, current studies have shown that there are no significant differences with respect to that developed by older people, highlighting that the prognosis and treatment plan should not be defined according to the chronological age at the time of diagnosis, but by the stage of the disease. In this paper we review the literature with the purpose of updating the knowledge about oral squamous cell carcinoma in young patients, highlighting the importance that every health professional who works in the oral cavity should be aware of it, routinely examining the soft tissues and in case of any lesion suspicious of malignancy, regardless of age and the association or not of risk factors, make the appropriate referral.   Received for review: October 2020.Accepted for publication: February 2021.Correspondence: General las Heras 1925. C.P.11600. Montevideo, Uruguay. Tel: (+598) 2487 3048.Contact e-mail: hnmondon@montevideo.com.uy