Tongue squamous cell carcinoma in young nonsmoking and nondrinking patients: 3 clinical cases of orthodontic interest

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma traditionally affects older men who smoke and drink. A change in this profile has been reported because of an increased incidence in young nonsmoking and nondrinking patients. The purpose of this article was to describe a series of young nonsmoking and nondrinking patients diagnosed with tongue squamous cell carcinoma who had recently received orthodontic treatment or evaluation. Details regarding diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and disease evolution are presented, with a review of the pertinent literature. Orthodontists often treat young adults, who have frequent dental appointments and long-term follow-ups. Thus, practitioners should pay special attention to young patients during dental consultations, since the incidence of malignant oral lesions in this segment of the population seems to be increasing.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma traditionally affects older men who smoke and drink. A change in this profile has been reported because of an increased incidence in young nonsmoking and nondrinking patients. The purpose of this article was to describe a series of youngnonsmoking and nondrinking patients diagnosed with tongue squamous cell carcinoma who had recently received orthodontic treatment or evaluation. Details regarding diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and disease evolution are presented, with a review of the pertinent literature. Orthodontists often treat young adults, who have frequent dental appointments and long-term follow-ups. Thus, practitioners should pay special attention to young patients during dental consultations, since the incidence of malignant oral lesions in this segment of the population seems to be increasing