Review Article

Volume 2024, 10 pages.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue in South Indian Females: Prevalence, Clinicopathological Features, and the Role of Chronic Mucosal Trauma

Shikha Agarwal1, Shahid Iqbal2, Tanya Thakkar3

1 MDS, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Government Dental College Kottayam Kerala,India; 2 Junior Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Government dental college Kottayam Kerala,India; 3 Junior Resident, Unit of Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Banarasi Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttarpradesh, India.

Address for Correspondence:

Dr. Shikha Agarwal,

MDS, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,

Government Dental College, Kottayam, Kerala

Email – shikhaagarwal485@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue represents one of the most prevalent and aggressive malignancies of the oral cavity, accounting for a disproportionately high burden of cancer morbidity in South India.

Objective: To review the prevalence, clinicopathological characteristics, and the role of chronic mucosal trauma as a contributing etiological factor in tongue SCC among females in the South Indian population.

Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using published literature from population-based cancer registries (PBCRs), regional hospital studies, and indexed journals, including ICMR-PBCR databases and studies from South Indian tertiary cancer centres.

Results: Tongue SCC constitutes 25–40% of oral cavity cancers in South India, with a notably narrowed female-to-male ratio (1:1.5–2.0) compared to global figures. Approximately 15–30% of female cases lacked tobacco or alcohol exposure. Chronic mucosal trauma from ill-fitting dentures, sharp teeth, and dietary factors was identified as a significant independent risk factor.

Conclusion: Chronic mucosal trauma represents an underappreciated but clinically significant etiological pathway for tongue SCC in South Indian females. Early recognition, dental rehabilitation, and population-level oral health interventions are critical for reducing disease burden.

Keywords: Squamous cell carcinoma, oral tongue, South India, females, chronic mucosal trauma, oral cancer, non-tobacco oral cancer, carcinogenesis

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to Cite this article :

Shikha A.,Shahid I.,Tanya T. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue in South Indian Females: Prevalence, Clinicopathological Features, and the Role of Chronic Mucosal Trauma. Int J Cranio Maxillofac Surg Rehab Volume 2024; 3(2): 1-10..

DOI: 10.56501/IntJCranioMaxillofacSurgRehabil.v3.i2.IJCMS-0055 ‍