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

## TL;DR

This study examines how the epidemiology of gingival cancer in Spain changed from 2001 to 2022, finding a shift in gender prevalence and aging trends.

## Contribution

The study provides updated longitudinal data on gingival cancer in Spain, highlighting a reversal in male-to-female incidence trends.

## Key findings

- Women became the predominant group affected by gingival cancer over time.
- The average age of patients increased, with a preference for the mandible over the maxilla.
- Incidence rates converged between sexes due to rising female cases and low tobacco/alcohol use.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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.

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.

Key words:Oral cancer, gingival cancer, spain, epidemiology.