Oral cancer is a major health problem across the world; the most common cancer in Indian men (56.4%) and women (44.9%), as reported by the National Cancer Registry of India[1]. Traditionally, oral cancer is a disease mainly affecting the older age group, attributed to indiscriminate tobacco usage. However, recent studies show an increasing incidence among young adults due to changing life styles. Aim and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to study the clinical profile of oral cancer cases with emphasis on demographic and clinicopathologic variables. Materials and Methods : Data of 514 oral cancer cases reported between Jan 2006-Dec 2010 were retrieved from the case records. Statistical analysisincluded calculation of percentages and proportions.Results: Majority of the subjects belonged to the 41-50 years age group, of the lower-middle and upper lower socioeconomic status. About 411 (80.2%) subjects consumed tobacco in various forms and males used more tobacco (66.53%) as compared to females (33.47%). Gingivobuccal sulcus was the most common site of oral cancer, with a commonest histopathological type being squamous cell carcinoma.Conclusion: Majority of the cases were squamous cell carcinoma and presented in the advanced stages of the disease.

Key words : Oral squamous cell carcinoma; tongue cancer.