Characteristics of Cases of Oral Cancer in the State of Bahia, 1999-2012: a Hospital-Based Study

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancer is a major public health problem in Brazil and in the world. The information collected from cancer diagnosed cases, as well as its mortality indicators reflect the profile of the population affected by the disease, and assist in the formulation of public policies for the prevention and control of this type of cancer, in addition to improving cancer care. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with oral cancer treated at hospitals in the Brazilian State of Bahia. Method: A retrospective, descriptive study of cases of oral cancer retrieved from the Electronic System of Hospital Cancer Records (Sistema de Informatização de Registros Hospitalares de Câncer). A descriptive analysis of socio-demographic, clinical, and other variables associated with the use of tobacco and alcohol was performed. Results: 3,309 cases were involved in this study. Among these subjects, 70.16% were male, 61.43% were above 54 years old, 84.15% were “pardos”, 78.68% had a low level of education, and 73.20% came from the countryside of the state. Stage IV cancer was the most frequent (55.23%); the most common histological type was squamous cell carcinoma (83.61%); and the tongue was the most common primary tumor site (31.10%). At the end of the first treatment, only 9.31% were in complete remission/had no evidence of disease, while 32.47% passed away. Many of the individuals had a history of alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Conclusion: In Bahia, oral cancer cases have been receiving a late diagnose, and the disease affects primarily those over 54 years old; of mixed ethnicity; with low levels of education; and mostly men. A significant percentage of these cases result in death.