Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: decline in clinical stage at the time of diagnosis in a reference hospital in southern Brazil

Objective: Developing countries have a high incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Risk factors are smoking and alcohol consumption; socioeconomic status and oral health may be associated with etiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sociodemographicprofile and oral health of patients with primary HNSCC, as well as the clinical and histopathological characteristics of the tumor. Material and Methods: We evaluated 78 patients; data about sex, age, skin color, schooling, oral hygiene, smoking, alcohol consumption and socioeconomic status were collected using a structured questionnaire. An intraoral examination provided dataabout caries, missing teeth and dental prosthesis. Hospital records were reviewed to collect clinical tumor information. Results: Mean age was 57.6 years; most participants were male,white, former or current smokers and moderate or high consumption of alcoholic beverages with low socioeconomic and educational levels. The majority of patients were disease-free at 2 year-follow up. Classification showed 60.2% of the tumors as T1 and T2 and 59% had no regional involvement. Most tumors were found in the mouth, and the tongue was the most frequent site. Histopathological examination revealed that 57.7% of the tumors were classified as moderateand poor prognosis. Conclusion: The profile of patients with HNSCC was similar to that found in other populations, but there is a decline in clinical stage at the time of diagnosis, and detecting this tumor at an early stage can be an effective mean to determine a better prognosis for patients