Perfil epidemiológico da morbidade por câncer bucal no Brasil: uma análise dos casos no período de 2020 a 2025

Abstract

ABSTRACT Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) represents the most common malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity, accounting for over 90% of all oral cancers. It originates from the squamous cells of the lining epithelium of the oral mucosa. Its etiology is strongly associated with chronic exposure to well-established risk factors, with smoking and alcohol consumption being the primary ones, which act synergistically, potentiating genetic mutations. Other factors include infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), mainly for oropharyngeal carcinomas, and cumulative sun exposure for lip cancer. Clinically, it can present as a white plaque (leukoplakia), red plaque (erythroplakia), or, more frequently, as an ulcer with raised and hardened borders that does not heal. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy and histopathological examination. The prognosis is directly linked to the stage at diagnosis, making early detection crucial. In the Brazilian context, the distribution of this morbidity is not homogeneous, reflecting deep regional disparities in terms of access to health services, socioeconomic conditions, and exposure to risk factors. In this scenario, conducting detailed epidemiological surveys becomes imperative. Mapping the morbidity profile of oral cancer is fundamental to identifying vulnerable populations, understanding the temporal and geographic dynamics of the disease, and evaluating the impact of already implemented public policies, such as tobacco control. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the epidemiological profile of oral cancer morbidity in Brazil from 2020 to 2025, based on DATASUS data, identifying the distribution of cases according to sex, age group, geographic region, and anatomical sites. The methodology consisted of an observational, analytical, cross- sectional study, based on the analysis of secondary hospital morbidity data. The results revealed 65,838 cases in the period, with a consistent predominance in males (70.1% of cases), establishing a ratio of 2.3 men for every woman. Age analysis showed that the disease is predominant in adults and the elderly, with 78.6% of cases concentrated in the 50-79 age groups, with the 60-69 age group being the most affected (28.2%). The temporal trend showed progressive growth until 2023, followed by a sharp decline in 2024-2025, interpreted as underreporting in the most recent years. Geographically, the Southeast region concentrated the highest burden of cases; however, the North (63.8% growth until 2023) and Central-West (69.7% increase in 2024) regions showed concerning increasing trends. Regarding anatomical location, the tongue (C02) and other parts of the mouth (C06) were the most frequent sites. It is concluded that oral cancer remains a relevant public health problem, with a profile marked by gender, age, and regional disparities, reinforcing the need for primary prevention policies, early diagnosis, and regionalized epidemiological surveillance for the effective confrontation of the disease