"Non-habit associated oral squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review".
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common oral malignancy, accounts for 80-90% of oral cancers. India bears the highest global burden, with one-third of cases worldwide. A significant proportion of OSCC in the Indian subcontinent arises in individuals without traditional risk factors such as tobacco or alcohol use, suggesting the involvement of alternative etiologic factors that remains poorly defined.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the demographics, lesion distribution, and potential non-habit-related risk factors of OSCC, aiming to clarify its etiopathogenesis in patients without deleterious habits such as tobacco or alcohol use.
METHODS
A total of 1355 records were identified (PubMed: 268, Scopus: 393, Embase: 694), with 580 duplicates removed, leaving 775 records for screening. After exclusion, 39 studies met the criteria: 17 cohort, 8 case-control, 8 cross-sectional, and 6 case reports. Methodological quality and risk of bias was assessed independently by two reviewers using relevant Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists.
RESULTS
The 39 included studies spanned a wide geographic range, with India contributing the most (n = 6). Non habit associated oral squamous cell carcinoma cases occurred at a significantly younger age (mean 45.84 vs. 63.71 years; p = 0.068) and showed a female predominance (p = 0.028). The tongue was the most frequent site. Key associations included recurrent genetic…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 6 participants or records.
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