Oral cancer - the fight must go on against all odds….

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) arising from the oral cavity and lips constitutes one of the most common types of malignancy in the head and neck region. Data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) shows that the annual incidence of OSCC in 2020 was 377,713 cases worldwide, with the highest number recorded in Asia (248,360), followed by Europe (65,279) and North America (27,469).1 The five-year prevalence of OSCC approached nearly one million (959,248) and followed the same pattern; that is, highest in Asia, followed by Europe and North America. These figures do not include squamous cell carcinoma arising from the mucosal epithelium in the oropharynx, oesophagus, nasopharynx, or larynx. It is also worth mentioning that the incidence and prevalence of OSCC may be underreported from less developed countries due to inadequate documentation of data. Nevertheless, the available data on OSCC highlights that it is a major health concern and is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Despite numerous improvements in cancer management, only modest improvements have been achieved in the survival rates of head and neck cancers.2 Unfortunately, there is no end in sight for the foreseeable future and the burden of OSCC is expected to rise. According to the GCO, by 2040, the incidence of OSCC is predicted to increase by up to 40% with a corresponding increase in mortality.