Clinicopathologic characteristics of young patients with lip squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study

This retrospective study investigates the clinicopathological features and outcomes of young and elderly patients diagnosed with lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).

Data from LSCC patients from Dr. Luiz Antonio Hospital in Natal, Brazil (2000-2015) were analyzed, grouping individuals below 40 and above 60 years old. Demographics, lifestyle habits, clinicopathologic characteristics, and treatment outcomes were examined using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisher's tests, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

A total of 47 patients was analyzed, being 20 younger and 27 older, finding significant age-related differences (p = < 0.0001). Although in both groups the tumor was more common in males, older patients had a higher rate of females (29.6%) (p=0.0358) and smoking (70.4%) (p = 0.0043) and underwent more modalities of treatments (p = 0.0027). There were no significant differences in the other analyzed clinicopathologic factors, and survival rates did not differ significantly, though younger patients showed slightly better survival metrics in univariate analysis.

LSCC exhibits some distinct clinicopathological features across different age groups, with significant differences in treatment modalities and progression rates. Age-specific approaches may be required to optimize treatment outcomes.