SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE MOBILE TONGUE: AN EMERGING EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE BEYOND CLASSICAL RISK FACTORS IN A SERIES OF 30 CASES

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the mobile tongue has traditionally been associated with tobacco and alcohol exposure. However, the occurrence of tumors in patients without these classic risk factors, particularly women who neither smoke nor drink alcohol, raises the possibility of additional associated factors. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of squamous cell carcinoma of the mobile tongue in a recent series and to assess the frequency of non-traditional associated factors, particularly chronic dental-related mechanical irritation. Patients and methods: This was a single-center retrospective study of 30 patients with histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the mobile tongue treated over a four-year period. Tumors of the base of tongue and oropharyngeal sites were excluded. Demographic characteristics, tobacco and alcohol exposure, chronic mechanical irritation, its dental origin, and anatomical concordance with the tumor were recorded.