KARACHI, April 16: Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers seen in Karachi, with an increasing number of younger patients, said Prof Tariq Rafi, a senior ENT specialist in a recently conducted study.

The professor mentioned that incidence of the ailment was otherwise also higher in the subcontinent as compared to the West, where it came to a mere eight per cent, against 40 per cent in this part of the world.

“Oral cancer is second to breast cancer in females and bronchogenic carcinoma in males,” Prof Tariq said.

It was reported that despite advancements in diagnostic tools and surgical techniques, patients of oral cancer were on the rise, with younger patients reporting more.

“There is a shift in the presentation and etiological factor with toxic chewing tobacco taking an upper hand over beetle-nut,” the researcher commented.

Oral cancer, being a preventable disease, holds due significance and its management is closely linked to the issue of avoiding carcinogenic substances.

In the local context these happen to be gutka, pan masala, tobacco, betel leaves consumed with lime, betel-nuts and tobacco. Prof Tariq Rafi also mentioned that genetics and biological events are also relevant in the context of oral cancer.

The relationship of size, depth and presence of lymph nodes was said to play a very important role in the prognosis of the disease.

Another Karachi-based study conducted by medical professionals associated with Aga Khan University identified head and neck cancers among the leading cancers in the region.

Larynx and hypo pharyngeal cancers were stated second to oral cancers. Researchers registered surgery as the primary intervention as it offered more chances of loco-regional control as compared to non-surgical management.—APP