Objective:

To characterize the demographic and clinicopathological features of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients treated with radiotherapy at CMJAH and to describe the spectrum of radiation-induced toxicities.

Key Findings:

• OSCC represents over 90% of malignant oral cavity tumors, with significant incidence in low- and middle-income countries.
• Common risk factors include tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse, and poor oral hygiene.
• Patients often present with advanced disease, leading to a reliance on radiotherapy as the primary treatment modality, which is associated with significant toxicities.

Interpretation:

The study highlights the demographic and clinical challenges faced by OSCC patients in South Africa, emphasizing the need for improved early detection and treatment strategies.

Limitations:

• Retrospective design may introduce bias and limit data completeness, potentially affecting the reliability of findings.
• Inconsistent documentation of pre-existing potentially malignant disorders may have led to underreporting.
• Lack of quantitative data on tobacco and alcohol use limits the ability to assess their impact on treatment outcomes.

Conclusion:

The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the high burden of OSCC and its associated treatment toxicities in South Africa, particularly through improved early detection and access to care.