CORRELATION BETWEEN HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES AND CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
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Keywords
Oral squamous cell carcinoma; Risk factors; Histopathology; Betel quid; Tobacco; Pakistan
Abstract
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies in South Asia, with high morbidity and mortality. Despite its prevalence, limited data are available in Pakistan correlating clinical features with histopathological characteristics.
Objective: To evaluate the correlation between histopathological features and clinical presentation of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one year 1st July2024 to 30th June 2025. A total of 246 patients were included. Demographic, clinical, and risk factor data were recorded through structured proformas. Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 25. Associations between clinical and histopathological parameters were assessed using the chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: The mean age was 51.7 years, with most patients aged 40–59 years (56.1%) and predominantly male (63.4%). Betel quid chewing (52.0%) and smoking (47.2%) were the most common risk factors. Buccal mucosa (41.5%) and tongue (30.9%) were the most affected sites. Histologically, 45.5% were moderately differentiated, 43.9% had infiltrative invasion, and 26.0% showed perineural invasion. Clinical stage and nodal status showed a significant association with tumor grade (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: OSCC in Pakistan predominantly presents in middle-aged males with strong links to tobacco and betel quid use. The late-stage diagnosis and aggressive histopathological features highlight the need for early detection strategies and preventive public health interventions.
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Aamir Shahzad
Associate Professor & HOD, Dental Materials Department HBS Medical and Dental College, Islamabad
Tauseef ul Hassan
Assistant Professor Plastic surgery, Gomal Medical college, Dera ismail khan
Waseem Khan
Department of Pathology, Saidu Teaching Hospital Swat,Swat
Mubah Safdar
BDS, RDS, MDS (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery), Ex trainee registrar oral & maxillofacial surgery LRH
Huma Tahir
Assistant professor, Community Dentistry, Avicenna Dental College, Lahore
Saima Bashir
Associate professor, Department of Pathology, Gomal Medical College Dikhan