title: Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, maxillary antrum and lip in a Zimbabwean population: a descriptive epidemiological study.
abstract: Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 90% of oral malignancies. The objective of this study was to document the gender, age, sub-site distribution and histologic differentiation of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, maxillary antrum and lip in a Zimbabwean population. Hospital records of patients with a histologic diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, maxillary antrum and lip seen at Harare Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Hospital in Zimbabwe during the period January 1982-December 1991 were reviewed. 20.8% (n = 358/1723) were squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, maxillary antrum and lip. Age ranged from 3 to 70years with a 2:1 male:female ratio. Peak incidence in both sexes were in the 41-50 and 51-60years age groups. Sub-site distribution was mandibular gingiva 18.4%, tongue 17.9%, floor of the mouth 16.2%, maxillary gingiva 9.2%, buccal mucosa 9.2%, maxillary antrum 12.6%, hard palate 7.8%, soft palate 4.8%, lower lip 2.8% and upper lip 1.1%. 64.8% were well differentiated, 24.8% moderately differentiated and 10.4% poorly differentiated. The mandibular gingiva, floor of the mouth and tongue were most commonly affected. Lip squamous cell carcinoma was uncommon. Well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was most common in the 41-60 years age group.
authors.affiliation: College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Department of Dentistry, Mazowe Street, Parirenyatwa Hospital, P.O. Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe. mmchidzonga@medsch.uz.ac.zw
authors.forename: Midion Mapfumo
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Chidzonga
authors.forename: Leonard
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mahomva
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008048:Lip Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008444:Maxillary Sinus Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology