Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity in young patients: a matched-pair analysis

There is an increased incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in young patients. However, the literature concerning prognosis for young patients with oral SCC is conflicting. The aim of this study was to compare the survival rates of patients under 45 years of age and diagnosed with SCC of the oral cavity with those of patients older than 45 years. A retrospective review of 28 patients under 45 years of age with SCC of the oral cavity was performed. We matched each of these patients by sex, tumor site, and overall stage with two patients older than 45 years. Overall survival, disease-free survival, disease-specific survival, rates of local, regional and distant metastasis were determined for both populations. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard models. Stage and treatment modality were similar in the two groups. There were significant differences in overall survival (P=0.024) and disease-specific survival (P=0.03) favoring young patients. Locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis were higher in the older patients. Furthermore, matched survival analysis demonstrated a difference in overall survival rate [risk ratio (RR) 2.457; P=0.033] and disease-specific survival [RR 2.475; P=0.048]. Young patients with SCC of the oral cavity developed fewer locoregional recurrences and distant metastasis. The overall survival and disease-specific survival rates were better in the young patient population.