Non-smokers, Non-drinkers: Assessing surgical outcomes in a clinically distinct cohort of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma patients

Abstract

Background Tobacco and alcohol intake are responsible for approximately 65-70% and 20-35% respectively of oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Non-smoking, non-drinking (NSND) patients represent approximately 13-35% of the oral SCC population and are more likely to be young (Mean 20-35 years) or elderly (Over 70 years) females with a predilection for tongue, gingivae and lower lip sites. Although approximately 24% of head and neck cancers occur in patients over 70 years old, there are few published reports of oral SCC in elderly patients. This group appears to be characterized by a higher proportion of NSND females. Bone invasion by oral SCC necessitates jaw resection. Ideally, pre-operati..