Greater Attention to Gingival Cancer and Floor of Mouth Cancer: Based on a Retrospective Analysis of Oral Cancer Across Different Subsites.

Abstract

The gingiva and floor of the mouth are distinct subsites, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) originating in these locations warrants further indepth understanding. This study enrolled patients with OSCC from 2000 to 2020, and analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan-Meier analysis compared overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model examined the risk factors on survival outcomes. A total of 885 OSCC patients were included, with the most common tumor subsites: oral tongue (41.9%), gingiva (31.8%), and floor of mouth (16.0%). Gingival and floor of mouth showed a higher proportion of advanced stage (65.8%, 66.9%) and significantly poorer OS (3-year: 63.0%, 57.0%; 5-year: 49.8%, 37.3%) and RFS (3-year: 59.1%, 61.3%; 5-year: 55.5%, 57.0%). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with significantly reduced mortality in gingival cancer (HR = 0.598), while tobacco exposure (HR = 1.952) was associated with a significant increase in mortality in floor of mouth cancer. Gingival cancer and floor of mouth cancer have a worse prognosis, and thus require greater attention throughout the entire management process.