Sociodemographic, clinical and histopathological features for lip squamous cell carcinoma patients: a retrospective analysis (1997-2004)

Abstract

Sectional retrospective. Objective: To describe demographic, clinical and histopathological features of patients diagnosed with lip squamous cell carcinoma and treated at the Dr.Luiz Antônio Hospital (Natal-RN, Brazil) in the period of 1997 to 2004. Methodology: 173 records were examined and information related to age, skin color, education, and individual's exposure to risk factors (tobacco, alcohol and sun exposure), and clinical and histopathologic features (anatomical location of tumor, tumor diameter, tumor staging, extent of lesion and histopathological grading) were collected.Descriptive analysis was performed using absolute numbers, percentages, measures of central tendency and variability. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS statistical software package (SAS Institute Inc. Cary, NC, USA). Results: The mean age was 66.55 years with male preference (69.36%),individuals with low education level (67.08%), history of smoking (89.58%) and occupational activity related to sun exposure (64.64%). Concerning the characteristics of the tumor, we obtained a greater frequency in the lower lip (78.61%), in lesions with 2 cm (52.33%) at initial stages. Conclusion: The lesions of lip cancer were localized, with low malignancy, occurring in higher frequency in males, elderly and low educational level. The presence of exposure to risk factors, ultraviolet rays and smoking, must be considered in this population.