Clinical Scorecard: Analysis of Demographics, Clinicopathological Features, and Treatment Approaches for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients at a Johannesburg Academic Hospital: A Five-Year Retrospective Study

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• OSCC accounts for over 90% of malignant oral cavity tumors globally.
• Significant burden of oral cancer in South Africa due to risk factors and healthcare access.
• Radiotherapy is the primary treatment modality for inoperable, late-stage OSCC.
• Common toxicities include mucositis, dermatitis, xerostomia, and dysphagia.
• Study highlights the need for local data on demographics and treatment outcomes.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Histological confirmation of OSCC is essential for diagnosis.

Management

• Definitive radiotherapy (60-70 Gy) or palliative regimens (20-30 Gy) are recommended.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Monitor for acute toxicities using CTCAE version 5.0.

Risks

• Increased risk of OSCC associated with tobacco and alcohol use.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with advanced-stage OSCC presenting at CMJAH.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy may be indicated for select patients.

Clinical Best Practices

• Conduct multidisciplinary meetings for treatment planning.
• Ensure thorough documentation of patient history and treatment responses.
• Utilize standardized data capture for clinical research.

References

• Source Article