The Role of Tobacco as A Risk Factor in Head and Neck Cancers: A Comparative Study

Author(s): Masroor Rahman, Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Tawfiqur Rahman, Arif Mahmud Jewel

Introduction: Head and neck cancer (HNC) refers to a wide range of cancer types that develop in various tissues and organs located in the head and neck area. The main risk factor for HNC is tobacco use.

Objective: This study aims to find the role of tobacco consumption in developing head and neck cancer gender-wise with previous studies.

Methods: This retrospective comparative study was conducted at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from June 2023 to May 2024. 110 patients with head and neck cancer who completed the inclusion criteria were selected for this study. Demographic profile, sites involved, histopathological pattern and stage of presentation of head and neck carcinoma were studied.

Results: The highest incidence of cancer was observed in the 51-60 age group, mostly in urban areas due to tobacco chewing. The most common type of cancer observed was buccal mucosa cancer, particularly at the gingiva-buccal sulcus, and squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequently identified type on histopathology. Most cancers were diagnosed in locally advanced stages. Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, males show a higher incidence of head and neck carcinoma, particularly in the buccal mucosa. This is correlated with tobacco chewing and keeping tobacco quid at the gingiva-buccal sulcus, leading to prolonged exposure