Epidemiological evolution of gingival cancer in Spain from 2001 to 2022: a longitudinal study

Abstract

Background: Over the past decades, the literature has described epidemiological changes in oral cancer. However, few updated studies specifically address this issue, particularly those examining it separately from pharyngeal cancer. Some authors suggest gingival cancer is the only intraoral cancer with a higher prevalence among women.

Material and methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted using the Specialized Care Activity Registry from the Minimum Basic Data Set to obtain data on gingival cancer patients in Spain from 2001 to 2022.

Results: Data from 5,749 patients showed 51.8% were men and 48.2% women. A final predominance in women was observed. The average recorded age was 68.3 years, increasing in both sexes over time. A low frequency of tobacco and alcohol consumption was noted. The age-adjusted incidence was 0.61, with a convergence between sexes due to increased female incidence.

Conclusions: During the study period, a reversal in the male-to-female ratio was observed, along with an increase in recorded age, a preference for the mandible over the maxilla, low tobacco and alcohol consumption, and incidence convergence between sexes due to rising female cases.