Satyajit Mishra1, Dipti Ranjan Patjoshi2
BACKGROUND
Malignancy of oral cavity is quite a common disease entity in Western part of the
state of Odisha. This is because of prevalence of habits like smoking, chewing
tobacco, and consumption of alcohol. Ignorance about the severity of the condition
in early stages leads to delayed diagnosis.
METHODS
A study was undertaken in Bhima Bhoi Medical College, Bolangir, in Western Orissa
from October 2018 to September 2020 to study about different patterns of
presentations and histopathological variations of malignancy of oral cavity in this
part of Odisha. Patients were thoroughly clinically evaluated, examined, and
appropriate investigation protocol was followed to record data.
RESULTS
About 0.33 % of all patients coming to the outpatient department (OPD) were
found to be suffering from carcinoma of oral cavity. Maximum number of cases
were males in the 5th and 6th decade with squamous cell carcinoma. Predisposing
factors like areca nut and pan masala consumption were noted. A majority of
patients were cultivators from lower middle-class families. Other common groups
were businessman and industrial workers. They had come with burning sensation
in the mouth and restricted mouth opening as complaints. Xerostomia, fibrous
bands in mouth, cervical lymphadenopathy were signs that were detected. Cheek
was seen to be a primary site of lesion in large number of cases followed by tongue
and lip.
CONCLUSIONS
In spite of them being easily assessable, patients ignored their symptoms leading
to delay in reporting to healthcare facility. As the patients were from
disadvantaged background, by the time they came to hospital, they were in an
advanced stage (stage three). Squamous cell carcinoma is very common in this
part of Orissa. Proper guidance to the patients about the symptoms and risk
factors will go a long way in early diagnosis and a more favourable outcome post
treatment.
