Clinical study on Age and Sex Distribution Aetiology Morphology Staging and Histology of Oral Malignancies in Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital

INTRODUCTION: In India oral cancer accounts for 30 percent of all types of cancer. Oral cavity cancer is any malignant neoplasm which is found on the lip, floor of the mouth, buccal mucosa, retromolar trigone, gingiva, hard palate or in the anterior two third tongue. Severe alcoholism, use of tobacco, betel nut chewing are the most common risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in Tirunelveli Medical College in the department of general surgery over a period of two years. 50 patients who was diagnosed as oral cancer were studied. radiological and histopathological examination done. RESULT: Most of the patients were in 6th decade of life, predominately males who have the habit of smoking or tobacco chewing. Ulcer and pain are the most common presentation, while most common site is buccal mucosa. All the patients in the study had squamous cell carcinoma. Many patients fall under stage I of TNM staging. CONCLUSION: In my study squamous cell carcinoma is most common type with many patients coming under stage I. patients presenting in early stage have better prognosis. Early recognition of symptoms and early diagnosis helps in better outcome