UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective:The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between oral cancer lesions in patients and how early detection allows for successful treatment by dramatically improving the quality of life for oral cancer survivors and reducing mortality.

Methods:Oral brush biopsy were performed (n=92) at the Center for the Prevention and Control of Tobacco Use and the Early Detection of Oral Cancer, School of Dentistry, University of Puerto Rico; 30% of these Oral brush biopsy diagnosis were corroborated by incision biopsy.

Results:The average age at diagnosis was 47.8 years; 75% were smokers and 25% were non smokers. 69% of the patients smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day; and 26% of the patients have been smoking for one to five years. 75% indicated alcohol use and 76.8% tobacco and alcohol. The most frequent oral lesions were found on the Left and Right Buccal Mucosa (18.5%) and (16.3%) respectively. In 44.6% of the patients the duration of the lesion previous to brush biopsy was between 6 months and 1 year. Negative results were obtained in 73.9% of the patients. For atypical squamous epithelial cells (14.1%), 85% were found in cigarettes smokers and 15% in non-tobacco users and (84.6%) in alcohol and tobacco user.