Oral squamous cell carcinoma: a review of 246 Nigerian cases

A review of 246 Nigerians with oral squamous cell carcinoma seen at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, over a 20-year (1976-1995) period was carried out. A prevalence rate of 1.2% was found with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. Their ages ranged from 20 to 88 years with mean and median ages of 53.7 and 55.5 years respectively. The most common site was the palate while the least common was the buccal mucosa. Most patients presented later for treatment with advanced disease, but women tended to report earlier than men. Out of 125 patients who had definitive treatment, only 33 (26%) had adequate follow-up records and recurrence was noted in 13 (39%). The prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma is significant in this environment but patient awareness is still low. There is a need to step up awareness campaign programmes, provide more centres for cancer treatment and introduce mass screening programmes.